On Indignation (paperback)

Corrosive, mad and frequently fatal, indignation is a great destructive force in human affairs, and just as often a wellspring of mirth and merriment. Don Watson traces this seemingly ineradicable emotion in a journey that takes us, via his forebears, Flaubert and The Sopranos, from the Old Testament to Donald Trump."Indignation is both seductive and contagious and transforms society and politics. Don Watson's essay is penetrating, astringent, witty and disturbing. It must be read, carefully." - Barry JonesTrump's pitch had less to do with offering voters money and security than with offering them vengeance. He exploited the anger we feel when we are slighted or taken for granted, turning the politics of a sophisticated democracy into something more like a blood feud. He promised to restore dignity, slay enemies, and re-make the world according to old rites and customs. He stirred indignation into tribal rage and rode it into the White House.It was a scam, of course, but wherever there is indignation, stupidity and lies abound. Corrosive, mad and frequently fatal, indignation is a great destructive force in human affairs, and just as often a wellspring of mirth and merriment. Don Watson traces this seemingly ineradicable emotion in a journey that takes us, via his forebears, Flaubert and The Sopranos , from the Old Testament to Donald Trump. Trump's pitch had less to do with offering voters money and security than with offering them vengeance. He exploited the anger we feel when we are slighted or taken for granted, turning the politics of a sophisticated democracy into something more like a blood feud. He promised to restore dignity, slay enemies, re-make the world according to old rites and customs. He stirred indignation into tribal rage and rode it into the White House. It was a scam, of course, but wherever there is indignation, stupidity and lies abound. 'Indignation is both seductive and contagious, and transforms society and politics. Don Watson's essay is penetrating, astringent, witty and disturbing. It must be read, carefully.' BARRY JONES 'in My Own Childhood Someone Was Always Trying To Get A Rise, And Someone Was Always Stalking Off In Tears And Slamming Doors Behind Her; Or Marching Out Of The Cowshed And Down The Hill As If Determined That The Rest Of Us Would Never See Her Again. 'huffs', They Were Called, Or 'scots'. But The Indignant Very Often Walk Into A Void. They Need Resistance. And Sooner Or Later They Have To Come In For Tea. What Then? What Does It Profi T A Man To Throw His Only Bowl Of Custard At The Wall?' With Characteristic Wit , Don Watson Explores Indignation Through Generations Of His Family And Their Old Testament Rages. He Asks Why Wounded Pride Or A Sense Of Injustice Unleashes The Furies And Whether There Is Ever Virtue In It. Dazzling In Its Humour And Eloquence, Watson Turns To George W Bush- The Figure Who Most Excites His Own Indignation. Don Watson takes us on a journey of indignation and how it has been expressed in his forebears. His ire towards US politicians has a new moving target: Donald Trump. The US President's primary pitch had less to do with giving people money or security than it was about vengeance. Trump exploited the anger we feel when we are slighted or taken for granted, turning the politics of a sophisticated democracy into something more like a blood feud. He promised to restore their dignity, slay their enemies, re-make the world according to old rites and customs. He stirred their indignation into tribal rage and rode it into the White House. It was a scam, of course, but wherever there is indignation, lies and stupidity abound