Outrageous Recreation
When we think of recreation, certain things come to mind: Bocce ball, cornhole, playgrounds, pool volleyball, camping, pickleball and so on.
But, what about being angry? Well … not actually being angry, but being “angry” for the sake of recreation. There’s a term for this and it’s called Recreational Outrage.
It’s an indulgence of self-induced anger and public venting over such topics as politics, religion, the fact that all the doors in that new neighborhood are yellow, and so on. Whatever. Recreational outrage is now a hobby.
Hey, some people play shuffleboard.
It reminds me of the Monty Python skit with the Argument Clinic:
“Is this the right room for an argument?”
“I’ve told you once.”
“No, you haven’t.”
“Yes, I have.”
And it goes hilariously on from there.
Like the Argument Clinic, will we see themed outrage areas in our local parks & recreation facilities or on a playground? A place to picket, yell, scream, wear incendiary t-shirts, glue our hands to art, and so on?
Speaking of France …
“You weren’t speaking of France.”
“I was.”
“No, you weren’t.”
Anyways, in France complaining is quite normal. In fact, it’s an appropriate conversation starter. Complaining is everywhere and you begin to wonder if anyone is actually happy there. I mean, it can’t be good for your health, could it?
Well, a 2011 study from the University of Texas found that bottling up negative emotions can make people more aggressive and cause health issues, so complaining can have an alleviating effect.
But … there’s a nuance to it all. The French will complain about many things, such as the weather, bad wine, the government, and of course, tourists. What they don’t do is complain about their own lives. According to Emily Monaco of the BBC, they don’t catastrophise and for the most part, don’t really have a goal or resolution in mind. It’s just complaining. It’s not a means to an end.
“Bonjour Charles, have you ever seen such dreary weather as this?”
“Not in my four years on this terrible planet.” They start early, I’m assuming.
Another study at the University of Oklahoma showed that complaining may have a positive impact on connectivity and human engagement and found it a useful tool for bonding, because it feels authentic.
Let’s go over the rules once more: 1) The sky isn’t falling, so no catastrophic craziness. 2) Steer clear of your own personal lives and maybe others’ as well. 3) Complaining is not a means to an end, so don’t attach it to one. It’s just complaining for recreational purposes.
Recreational Outrage, on the other hand, sounds like outrage for the sake of outrage, but there’s a dangerous attachment to a belief that expressing outrage is actual action, as if it will change something. It won’t. When nothing changes from their efforts (or lack thereof), the outrage gets worse.
Not good for your health, not good for connecting with other happy humans, and it’s no way to live life.
I’d rather complain with friends that I missed those last three cornhole shots and seriously, “did they make this wine from raisins!? It’s so dry!”.
Now that’s recreation!
Photo by Andre Huner on Unsplash