Recognizing Resentment

Innovative theory surrounding the liberal demand for sympathetic resentment, which entails a recognition of the political equality of victims of injustice.

In the days and weeks following the tragic 2011 shooting of nineteen Arizonans, including congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, there were a number of public discussions about the role that rhetoric might have played in this horrific event. In question was the use of violent and hateful rhetoric that has come to dominate American political discourse on television, on the radio, and at the podium. A number of more recent school shootings have given this debate a renewed sense of urgency, as have the continued use of violent metaphors in public address and the dishonorable state of America’s partisan gridlock. This conversation, unfortunately, has been complicated by a collective cultural numbness to violence. But that does not mean that fruitful conversations should not continue. In The Politics of Resentment, Jeremy Engels picks up this thread, examining the costs of violent political rhetoric for our society and the future of democracy. The Politics of Resentment traces the rise of especially violent rhetoric in American public discourse by investigating key events in American history. Engels analyzes how resentful rhetoric has long been used by public figures in order to achieve political ends. He goes on to show how a more devastating form of resentment started in the 1960s, dividing Americans on issues of structural inequalities and foreign policy. He discusses, for example, the rhetorical and political contexts that have made the mobilization of groups such as Nixon’s “silent majority” and the present Tea Party possible. Now, in an age of recession and sequestration, many Americans believe that they have been given a raw deal and experience feelings of injustice in reaction to events beyond individual control. With The Politics of Resentment, Engels wants to make these feelings of victimhood politically productive by challenging the toxic rhetoric that takes us there, by defusing it, and by enabling citizens to have the kinds of conversations we need to have in order to fight for life, liberty, and equality.

Preface: Welcome to Chapter 1: "The Power of Forgiveness." Within these pages, we embark on a profound exploration into the dynamics of forgiveness and its transformative potential within the church community. This chapter serves as a gateway to understanding a critical aspect of spiritual growth and unity—the impact of resentment and the essential journey toward embracing forgiveness. Resentment, a formidable emotion, has the potential to cast shadows within the sacred walls of a church. Its insidious presence can sow divisions, impede spiritual development, and obstruct the very essence of forgiveness. As we delve into this sub-chapter, our focus is on comprehending "Understanding Resentment in the Church." By unraveling the layers of resentment and acknowledging its detrimental effects, we aim to pave the way for the restoration of love, compassion, and unity within the church. Resentment often arises from a myriad of sources—unmet expectations, perceived injustices, or unresolved conflicts. These emotions can be rooted in disagreements over leadership, differences in theological interpretations, or personal grievances among members. Left unaddressed, resentment becomes a corrosive force, eroding the foundations of trust and unity that are vital for a thriving church community. As we navigate the intricate web of resentment, we confront the consequences it imposes on the church. The erosion of trust, breakdown in communication, and the emergence of gossip create an environment that is antithetical to the teachings of grace, love, and forgiveness. In understanding the root causes and consequences of resentment, we lay the groundwork for breaking free from its chains and unlocking the true power of forgiveness. This chapter invites you to reflect on the transformative journey from resentment to forgiveness—a journey that holds the promise of renewed unity, spiritual growth, and a flourishing church community. May these pages serve as a guide on the path towards embracing forgiveness, unlocking the profound power it holds within the sacred spaces of the church.

The Return of Resentment charts the long history of resentment, from its emergence to its establishment as the word of the moment. The term "resentment," often casually paired with words like "hatred," "rage," or "fear," has dominated US news headlines since November 2016. Despite its increased use, this word seems to defy easy categorization. Does "resentment" describe many interlocking sentiments, or is it just another way of saying "anger"? Does it suggest an irrational grievance, as opposed to a legitimate callout of injustice? Does it imply political leanings, or it is nonpartisan by nature? In The Return of Resentment, Robert A. Schneider explores these questions and more, moving from eighteenth-century Britain to the aftermath of the French Revolution to social movements throughout the twentieth century. Drawing on a wide range of writers, thinkers, and historical experiences, Schneider illustrates how resentment has morphed across time, coming to express a collective sentiment by movements across the political spectrum. In this history, we discover resentment's modernity and its ambiguity--how it can be used to dismiss legitimate critique and explain away violence, but also convey a moral stance that demands recognition. Schneider anatomizes the many ways it has been found appropriate as a label for present-day movements, from the followers of Trump and the supporters of Brexit to radical Islamicists and proponents of identity politics. Addressing our contemporary political situation in a novel way, The Return of Resentment challenges us to think critically about the roles different emotions play in politics.

Anger is not just ubiquitous, it is also popular. Many people think it is impossible to care sufficiently for justice without anger at injustice. Many believe that it is impossible for individuals to vindicate their own self-respect or to move beyond an injury without anger. To not feel anger in those cases would be considered suspect. Is this how we should think about anger, or is anger above all a disease, deforming both the personal and the political? In this wide-ranging book, Martha C. Nussbaum, one of our leading public intellectuals, argues that anger is conceptually confused and normatively pernicious. It assumes that the suffering of the wrongdoer restores the thing that was damaged, and it betrays an all-too-lively interest in relative status and humiliation. Studying anger in intimate relationships, casual daily interactions, the workplace, the criminal justice system, and movements for social transformation, Nussbaum shows that anger's core ideas are both infantile and harmful. Is forgiveness the best way of transcending anger? Nussbaum examines different conceptions of this much-sentimentalized notion, both in the Jewish and Christian traditions and in secular morality. Some forms of forgiveness are ethically promising, she claims, but others are subtle allies of retribution: those that exact a performance of contrition and abasement as a condition of waiving angry feelings. In general, she argues, a spirit of generosity (combined, in some cases, with a reliance on impartial welfare-oriented legal institutions) is the best way to respond to injury. Applied to the personal and the political realms, Nussbaum's profoundly insightful and erudite view of anger and forgiveness puts both in a startling new light.

An examination of the role that British Columbia has played in the evolving Canadian unity debate. Philip Resnick explores what makes British Columbia stand apart as a region of Canada and looks at the views of politicians, opinion-makers and ordinary citizens on various issues.

“An important contribution to the literature on contemporary American politics. Both methodologically and substantively, it breaks new ground.” —Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare When Scott Walker was elected Governor of Wisconsin, the state became the focus of debate about the appropriate role of government. In a time of rising inequality, Walker not only survived a bitterly contested recall, he was subsequently reelected. But why were the very people who would benefit from strong government services so vehemently against the idea of big government? With The Politics of Resentment, Katherine J. Cramer uncovers an oft-overlooked piece of the puzzle: rural political consciousness and the resentment of the “liberal elite.” Rural voters are distrustful that politicians will respect the distinct values of their communities and allocate a fair share of resources. What can look like disagreements about basic political principles are therefore actually rooted in something even more fundamental: who we are as people and how closely a candidate’s social identity matches our own. Taking a deep dive into Wisconsin’s political climate, Cramer illuminates the contours of rural consciousness, showing how place-based identities profoundly influence how people understand politics. The Politics of Resentment shows that rural resentment—no less than partisanship, race, or class—plays a major role in dividing America against itself.