Human beings have essentially “three” brains. The functions in the “first” brain include instinctual behavior ,defending territory, keeping safe and located in the Central Core. Then, in the Limbic system is the Amygdala which is responsible for fear, fight , flight and danger responses . Also ,in the “second '' brain is the Hypothalamus which is the major controlling organ of the Autonomic Endocrine system . It regulates temperature,hunger, thirst, sexual arousal and the sleep-wake cycle. These Reptilian and Mammalian structures in our brain are primitive and have not evolved like the cortex or our “third” brain with its development and evolution of cognition, advanced tool making , and executive functioning.
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Charles Darwin popularized the Survival of the Fittest . Sigmund Freud's destructive instinct and his sadomasochism concept and Carl Jung's collective unconscious and shadow concepts described man's pathological aggressiveness. Erich Fromm's views man as impulsive, irrational and amoral . These pioneers have assisted us in understanding man's challenges with interacting with others. And about 6000 years ago, the 10 Commandments initially illustrated man's aggressive, irrational and amoral behaviors toward others with guilt consequences . Currently, our legal justice system attempts to reduce crimes toward others with consequences of probation, monetary fines and incarceration.
Irrespective, we are in "The Age of Aggression." Aggression is defined as hostile , violent behavior or attitudes toward another with a readiness to attack or confront. Aggression also serves as a defensive function when there are threats to survival as with sex, food as well as threats to self-esteem, power, position, status, etc. The reactions can be rage, attack , fight , fear or flight. Further, rage, fear and pleasure , areas in the brain , can be aroused or inhibited depending upon variables. Additionally, the male sex hormone testosterone promotes the use of protein to build muscle and promotes libido aggressiveness and sexual desire. In other words, aggression can be life saving or malignant .
Aggression can be non hostile but a painful act toward another .Ask a mother about her sore and painful nipples when nursing her 6 to 9 month old newborn; watch the young baby chew, bite or spit while eating and/or unwilling to share toys or possession with another . Other examples of aggression are associated with competition and rivalry with and toward siblings , parents and peers. On the playground , view aggressive interactions while playing games, or in sports.
Aggression can also be accidental in the sense that it may hurt another person in which there was not an intention to hurt or harm that individual. Perhaps the firing of a weapon and an innocent bystander getting killed might be an example. Aggression can also be classified as “playing” when witnessing professional sports. The intention for these competitive and highly skilled athletes in football, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse ,is not to maim, kill or destroy their opponent, but to dominate and win the game.
Research suggests there are many variables relating to aggression that are harmful to others such as anxiety, frustration in child rearing , relationships ,governmental laws and policies . Aggressive behavior can be malignant. Within the last 25 years or so , we have had the following situational , anxiety and fearful events with negative consequences that includes 9/11 and it’s related wars ; a financial economic meltdown; obesity , addiction and suicide surges , Covid-19 and virus’ ; more motor vehicle accidents ; the January 6 capital attack and Ukrane and Middle East wars as a few illustrations.
During 9/11, we witnessed the propaganda of lies. deaths, destruction ,creation of terrorist groups and ongoing Middle East conflict. We killed Bin Laden and Saddam with our massive military might . We destroyed, we demolished but did not conquer the bad guys irrespective of our war machine. In fact, War Machine, starring Brad Pitt, highlighted and illustrated the craziness and irrationality pertaining to the Afghanistan war.
Psychologically, malignant aggression is related to revenge and protecting economic interests. Video games, TV, movies , documentaries, novels, biographies have provided many illustrations and models of “wonderful “ weapons used as agents of destruction and death. Role models to imitate have skillfully killed others and have become heroes . In other words, our government's message is that malignant violence is necessary and good for our safety and well-being. Guns, drones and so forth are to be desired. However, on the other side, our wonderfully trained killers with the best weaponry in the world and our passive-aggressive politicians, have created an inordinate amount of brain trauma , physical disabilities, suicide and more enemies for what ? The military-industrial complex thrives on malignant aggression for profit.
Frustration is accompanied by anxiety and anger when the prized and important goal becomes blocked. Economic security is important in our capitalistic society. When there is blockage to goal attainment, one can break through the barrier, go around the barrier or become immobilized. There was an enormous amount of greed that benefited some while most became victims to their predicament. Around 2008 , one could aggressively obtain that American dream-home mortgage by falsifying information. They could put borrowed money in their account for a short period just to qualify for that loan, irrespective of any objective moral reason or rationale. It was just a lie .To obtain the goal, even if that goal was unrealistic. Of course people defaulted leaving many frustrated, anxious , depressed and angry individuals.
Our country's lifespan and physical and psychological health are not good compared to other industrial countries. We have major issues with obesity, heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and rising rates of addiction and suicide. It is also known that many of our physical health problems are related to behavior, character and personality. There are many commercials about diet , physical activities and exercise. What one eats ,the size of portions and frequency suggests an unconscious drive or need fulfillment . Guilt and self-defeating behaviors are seen as aggression turned inward . Regardless of all the information available and opportunities ,these individuals continue to blame , put down self with irrational self talk to mutilate or commit suicide . It's as if they accepted the consequences of punishment . For example, depression is self depreciation as in hating self and that hate is expressed not only in verbal symbols but also in repeated behavior.
Suicide and homicide rates among adolescents have increased . Also, it’s estimated that more than 20% of teens have seriously considered suicide. Not only that, suicide rates have increased during the pandemic. And, there appears to be a link between prescription opioid misuse and heroin addiction. About 80% of people who used heroin first misused prescription opioids. There is also an alarming trend of school absences that started with the pandemic and have continued to rise. Once again, ineffective psychological emotional development of so many of our youth suggests an absence of productive parenting with resulting aggressive self defeating oppositional behavior.
To Be Continued
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