Here the Detroit Free Press gives us a novel social theory ( novel to me). Americans are angry because they are so mobile, to paraphrase. (???)
Charles
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Campaign 2004 has been the season of our discontent, fueled by friction over issues from abortion to the Iraq war. But Americans' anger springs from sources deeper than the campaigns. Explosions of rage have marred our country throughout history, and our national character is shaped by whether the wounds are healed or left to fester.
Free Press staff writer David Crumm journeyed across the country to explore the roots of Americans' anger. This is the first of a five-part series.
Americans are angry.
The signs are everywhere, from daily skirmishes in the presidential campaigns and fury over terrorism to road rage and even rude words fired across checkout counters.
But after 3,000 miles of travel across the United States and interviews with more than 100 Americans this fall, the Free Press found that no single issue is the wellspring of our discontent.
Our biggest source of anger lies in the nature of our country itself: We've always been a restless people, prone to waves of anger as groups of Americans collide. We've left wounds scattered across the landscape that take only a little friction to spark fresh pain. And, right now, that friction is increasing as Americans move faster than ever, dramatically changing the face of the country.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK Why is America angry?
Do you think the friction springs from the rapid pace of movement and change in our country?
Or do you think people are mad about something else?
Each day this week as you read our reports, we want to hear from you. We'll include your thoughts in our conversation.
E-mail your comments to ourspirit at freepress.com or call 313-222-1456.
<http://www.freep.com/news/nw/anger11e_20041011.htm>
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