Abstract

Anger is commonly the characterology attributed to populism. This negative affect permeates the public sphere, claimed by both supporters and critics of present administrations seen to fall under the heading of populism. It is also once again being foregrounded in feminist thought and action in light of sexual harassment cases in the political and cultural domains. Furthermore, anger arguably informs the rejoinder that colonialism, to borrow from Aimé Césaire, is indefensible. This chapter examines the role of anger in identity politics. Through an engagement with affect theory and philosophy, it seeks an understanding of anger as an ethical and political resource at present. Is anger indispensable in combatting injustices or is anger destructive of human relationships and social interactions? How has anger been conceptualized in literary, philosophical, and theoretical discourses? In what ways does anger relate to the question of agency and specify its possibilities?