ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
ON THE AGE OF RAGE
PSY 459
Dr. Leon James
G14 Spring 2001
by Yuki Morinaka
Feb 26th, 2001
CONTENTS
Sexual Harassment at Workplace
We
don't stop traveling - whether it's for business or family reasons - and we
still look forward to vacation flights. But airport rage is growing - and it's
leading, naturally, to the highly publicized rage aboard planes.
The rage begins amid the traffic jams on the major highways leading to the airport. After the long drive to the airport, there's another long line of passengers who are waiting for their turns to check-in. The waiting condition is a part of airport rage. Imagine other passenger arriving later than you, finish check-in before you do, and then takes the last window-side seat which you had wanted. Finally, when you've got the boarding pass and is waiting to board at the gate. You look at the time, and notice that the boarding is delayed. Then you hear the announcement saying your flight is canceled!
If this has happened to you, how would you have reacted? I bet you would be one of those boiling with anger. The reasons of delay may be bad weather or mechanical problems. You would think that an airline's flight delay due to bad weather, would obligate the airline to provide everyone with free meals or hotel rooms overnight.
However delays are increasingly caused by congestion on runways and in the air. Probably airport waiting conditions are not known to many passengers, but only to people who work dealing with air transportation. Some airports are undertaking the enlargement or building a new runway. But of course it will take long a long time. We need the improvement now!!
http://www.smarterliving.com/columns/paul/Airport20000601.1.html
I talked about airport rage from the view of passengers. But air rage is not always towards airlines. Now, I would like to change the perspective to that of airline agents. I have personally experienced the unruly passengers rage while I worked for an airline as a ground passenger service agent for more than two years at an international airport. Some passengers gain advantage by complaining. They know how it works many times, but what they don't know is their names are on an airline's blacklist or a record of trouble passengers!
Note that passengers are watched from when they proceed to the check-in counter. If you are regarded as unruly or suspicious somehow, the check-in agent adds a comment saying "TRBL PAX" (abbreviation for trouble passenger) in your record of the passenger list when you are not aware. These remarks are checked by the gate agents and they will take these information over to cabin crews before the boarding. Of course airlines have a right to refuse the questionable passengers or drunken passengers who may harm others because airlines are responsible for all passengers' safety. However what if such a trouble passenger is discovered after takeoff? You can imagine how dangerous it will be because an airplane is a locked space which means you cannot escape from or eject the trouble passenger.
Congress and President Clinton approved the higher civil fine in April 2000. However it is hardly known because neither the Federal Aviation Administration nor the airlines are informing passengers. It is said that the maximum fine is now $25,000 per violation. Violent passengers also can face criminal penalties of a $10,000 fine and up to 20 years in prison.
However passengers don't know the fine is there, so it doesn't help to deter them from going and acting up. Jeff Zack, a spokesman for the Washington D.C.-based flight attendants' group, said passengers need preflight education from airlines on the higher fine to deter interference during flights, and flight attendants need more training to deal with unruly passengers.
It's all the rage these days -- unruly passengers in the skies
Flight crews complain that customers aren't warned of new, stiffer penalties for airline troublemakers
More Information: http://seattlep-i.nwsource.com/national/rage03.shtml
"Is your work place at risk?"---the first step to confront work place rage is realizing the factors which your work place has. What can be the factors to contribute to work place violence? For example, working alone at night and during early morning hours, exchange of money, working with patients, clients, customers or students known or suspected to have a history of violence, and so forth. You need to remember those factors are the potential risk of violence.
Next step is recognizing inappropriate coworker's behavior which is a warning sign of potential hostility or violence. You have to be responsive to unwelcome name-calling, obscene language, and other abusive behavior intimidation through direct or veiled verbal threats. Don't overlook physically touching in an intimidating, malicious, or sexually harassing manner including obscene gestures.
What kind of person can be violent? There must be warning signs in his/her whether conscious or unconscious behaviors. Those can be irrational beliefs and ideas, externalization of blame, unreciprocated romantic obsession, violence towards inanimate objects and so on.
Now that you are aware what, who are the risk factors of violence, let's try to minimize violence. But how? Here are some suggestions;
DO --- Be an empathetic listener: encourage the person to talk and listen patiently; maintain a relaxed yet attentive posture and position yourself at a right angle rather than directly in front of the other person; acknowledge the person's feelings, indicate that you can see he/she is upset.
DO NOT --- Reject all of a client's demands from the start; avoid any physical contact, finger-pointing or long periods of fixed eye contact; try to impart a lot of technical or complicated information when emotions are high; invade the individual's personal space. (make sure there is a space of 3' to 6' between you and the person.)
More Information: http://www.tri-c.cc.oh.us/publicsafety/work_place_violence.htm
Sexual Harassment at Workplace
Sexual Harassment is not always evident. Sometimes it is subtle, but it is still sensible. So what determines the behavior as sexual harassment? We usually think it is the intent of the person who did the behavior. However it is wrong. It is the impact of behavior that determines if sexual harassment has occurred. Sexual harassment is the "unwelcome" behavior. If the behavior is perceived as unwelcome or insulted, it is sexual harassment whether the person intended or not (of course he/she would say "I didn't intend!").
Sexual harassment can take many forms, including unwanted sexual advances, touching, groping, sexual comments (including jokes), sexually suggestive materials, objects and/or screen savers, repeated requests for dates, and surfing adult web sites. The problem is those who display unwelcome behaviors are not often aware that they are giving impact. And another problem is they usually believe myths which are actually different from the facts. What are the myths of sexual harassment?
Myth: If an employer trains employees about sexual harassment, it will polarize males and females, create problems where no problems exist, and encourage employees to file false charges.
Myth: Sexual harassment is usually caused by the victim's clothing or behavior.
Myth: An employer who does not receive sexual harassment complaints does not have sexual harassment incidents.
These are incorrect. The first step to confront sexual harassment is to be aware and let them know that the behavior they display is sexual harassment.
DO I DISPLAY ANY OF THE FOLLOWING BEHAVIORS AT WORK?
Understanding the impact of sexual harassment is another important thing. The impact of sexual harassment is tremendous, but the people who display those behaviors probably never think of how much impact they are giving.
An employer must
be more sensitive to sexual harassment, and must construct the clear sexual harassment
policies. Policies should be accompanied by sexual harassment
trainings conducted by an experienced trainer. When sexual harassment complaint
arise, quick correspondence, thorough investigate and remedy of the situation
have to be done.
More information:
http://www.ci.ft-wayne.in.us/metro/sexual_harassment.htm
http://www.ci.ft-wayne.in.us/metro/impact%20of.htm
http://www.fultonmontgomery.com/articles/Detailed/55.html
Dealing With Annoying Neighbors
Are you comfortable with staying at home? Home is where you live, relax, and spend precious time with your family. Nobody has a right to disturb your peaceful time at home. However your neighbors may violate your property. The followings are considered as neighborly annoyance.
• blighted property
• weeds, rubbish and garbage
• loud and offensive language
• drug dealers
• animal problems
• commercial activity in residential zones
• inoperative vehicles
• outdoor lights
Let's look over a few of these.
One of common complaints about neighbor is animal problems. The pets are adorable for their owners, however can be just annoying objects, or nuisance. If you are exposed following situations regarding your neighbor's pet, then you should know about the legislative measures.
NOISE "Does your neighbor's dog keep barking in the mornings or in evenings?" The laws usually limit the length of time a dog may bark, or the frequency of the barking allowed.
LEASH LAWS "Has your neighbor dog jumped on you?" Leash laws require dogs to be under restraint when they are off the owner's property. Sometimes are called "running at large" laws.
POOPER SCOOPER LAWS "Have you ever found your neighbor dog's defecation in your yard?" Pooper scooper laws require the owner of an animal to immediately remove and dispose of an animal's defecation when the animal is away from the owner's premises.
NUMBER OF ANIMALS "Do you recognize your neighbor has a number of pets?" Local ordinances often limit the number of certain animals allowed per household to two or three adult animals. Someone who is determined to keep more animals may have to buy a special kennel license from the city.
More Information http://www.nolo.com/chapter/NEI/NEI_store_ch1_f.html
Stereo, TV, pets, parties, etc---noise not only makes you feel discomfort but it disturbs your relaxation, and interferes with your sleep. It's an obvious nuisance which affects your health. If you are annoyed with your neighbor's noise, you had better check your town's local noise ordinance. Acceptable noise levels are often defined in decibels, and many areas also have "quiet hours" during which acceptable noise levels are lower. If your situation constitutes a nuisance as defined by the law, you can sue the neighbor. But the following cases will probably not be a nuisance.
You go to bed at 8:00pm; children are on the playground until 9:00pm.
You sleep until noon; the landlord's lawn service starts mowing at 9:00am.
Your
neighbor's children/dogs play noisily on the lawn weekend afternoons while
you're trying to work.
In those cases when your situation does not constitute a nuisance, or when you just don't want to make matters large scale even though you can sue the neighbor, you can deal with constructively besides a suit.
Speak with the neighbor: Make sure you approach him calmly without anger or excess emotion.
Notify the neighbor in writing if the problem persists: Send the offending neighbor a copy of the local noise ordinance and a copy of any community rules and regulations noting noise restrictions with a letter requesting that the noise problem be taken care of.
Speak with the landlord: Write to or speak with the landlord, outlining the specific problem and letting him know what steps you and other neighbors have taken to alleviate the situation.
Other Approaches: Call the police, Sue the neighbor and/or the landlord, or Move!!
More information http://apartments.about.com/realestate/apartments/library/weekly/aa042900a.htm
Also see http://realtytimes.com/rtnews/rtcpages/19980828_loudneighbors.htm
Parking Lot Rage is the latest vehicular crime trend in the news. A battle over a parking spot develops into an altercation, or into outrage. Parking lot rage can occur even though you don't mean to steal the someone's parking spot if he/she is coveting the same spot. Or you may be simply around when someone snaps.
The situation gets worse in the holiday season. More people compete for a parking spot, and people are frantic with many tense too. But parking rage occurs even when so many other spots are available because everybody wants to park the car nearest the stores and eateries.
It seems that people tend to be selfish and stubborn when they are looking for a parking spot. When they find the best spot and can pull into the spot, they are happy. However if somebody pulls in this spot when they finally find the spot after going around the parking area many times, their anger explodes so easily. It's just a problem of timing. Nobody intends to steal your parking slot.
Leon James, a University of Hawaii professor and the author of "Road Rage and Aggressive Driving, said "If you are in a hurry and frantic, you are already in a situation where you are going to lose". We should understand this. We have to be aware when we are in a hurry and frantic, and try to stay calm.
http://washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A57624-2001Jan13.html
"My attitude is enough is enough. I think parents are
getting too personal, too involved in the games."
Lamont Henry
South High's basketball coach
According to CBS, more than 20 million children compete in organized sports in America. However youth sports is no longer just for fun. It is a serious issue regarding a violence called "sports rage". The sports rage, sometimes called parenting rage, is a serious issue because sports rage develops to injury or death in the extreme case. These are the incidents assaulted by the unruly parents.
In Amherst, Mass., police arrested two soccer parents for disorderly conduct and simple assault after the two fought at a Memorial Day under-12 boys tournament.
In Maryland last year a father knocked down and kicked a baseball coach when his son was not chosen for the all-star team. It could not be determined if charges were filed.
It is so scary to send children to where these kind of adults' violence may occur. In response to the violence, the National Association of Sports Officials has begun offering "assault insurance" to its 19,000 members, to cover some of the medical expenses resulting from assaults. But it is not the defensive measure.
The purpose of youth sports includes educational meaning. Children can learn how to cooperate or work with others to achieve the same goal. However too many angry adults are showing poor examples there for children. They are totally destroying the concept of what youth sports is supposed to be. Sports rage or parenting rage must not be overlooked. Then, how can we protect children from unruly parents? Programs such as mandatory seminar for parents of the team members should be held to encourage parents to create a safe, positive, and fun environment for children. It is rather parents, and not only players, to need to swear good sportsmanship before a game.
More information: http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1728.59319
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/news/world/article/41359.html
Cell phones have become a part of necessities of life not only for businessmen but even for teenagers. Nowadays it seems like people cannot live without them. Cell phones play a part in this wire-less age. Cell phones enable us to have a constant communication, but on the other hand, annoys us too. Most people have experienced such a nuisance by rude cell-phone users at a restaurant, a movie theatre, a library, in the class, in the meeting or wherever in a public space. Rampant talking on cell phones following an annoying mechanical melody or ring breaks the silence or peace, and your attention is dragged to the cell-phone talker's conversation whether you want or do not want. Dr. Joseph Miller, a social psychologist who teaches at the New School of Social Research in Manhattan, says that it's ego-enhancing at the expense of others.
Cell phone rage reminds us of the smoking issue. As long as smokers keep an etiquette, such as refraining from smoking in public space except smoking areas, asking his/her company for permission before putting the light to a cigarette, nobody will complain about their habit. The same thing can be referred to the cell-phone users. They need to keep manners or etiquette. Putting the ring on "vibrate" when in public places is one on them. Cell phone manufactures can contribute by distributing an etiquette book with each phone. Public place also should be brave to have "non-cell phone policy".
In New York, a handful of restaurants have sections in their dining areas where cell phone use is allowed and where people who abhor the intrusion can eat in peace. Other establishments have posted signs near their doors warning patrons to be courteous when it comes to yacking on the wireless.
More information http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,33291,00.html
Know more cell-phone etiquette http://www.foxnews.com/vtech/080200/cellphone.sml
More http://www.fsb.com/fortunesb/articles/0,2227,949,00.html
Internet rage, like cell phone rage, is one of contemporary issues in this wireless age. The complexity of this problem is difficulty in identifying the person who violates internet copyright. We can shield our identities while participating in frank discussions of sensitive topics. We can make up a false identity for going to chat rooms. Under the cover of such a false identity, we are not afraid of expressing our feelings freely because we don't have to care about others' reaction. And this attitude is becoming increasingly bold and escalating, consequently it leads to internet violation.
How do you feel if your original works or images are used without your permission and if they are altered in an undesirable way? Invasion of privacy is the core of internet rage. Free speech must not be an excuse for defamation. However rules are less clear regarding the right of privacy while web servers are protected by federal law. So the best thing is protecting our own privacy by ourselves. There is software that can provide privacy protection for the individual Internet user. What else we can do? Go to How to Protect Your Work from Internet Copyright Violation!
More information: http://www.netatty.com/privacy/privacy.html
Anger is "an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage," according to Charles Spielberger, PhD, a psychologist who specializes in the study of anger. So anger is a normal emotion. But when it gets out of control, it is very unhealthy. Anger often makes the situation worse. This link introduces some strategies to control anger. It suggests some simple steps you can try from now;
Breathe
deeply, from your diaphragm; breathing from your chest won't relax you. Picture
your breath coming up from your "gut."
Slowly
repeat a calm word or phrase such as "relax," "take it
easy." Repeat it to yourself while breathing deeply.
Use
imagery; visualize a relaxing experience, from either your memory or your
imagination.
Nonstrenuous,
slow yoga-like exercises can relax your muscles and make you feel much calmer.
More information: http://www.apa.org/pubinfo/anger.html#manage
