Obscenities, screaming matches, fistfights, shootings—these have become almost standard forms of public expression. Why? Can society’s violent downward spiral be reversed? This program explores the emotional causes and social dangers of short fuses, linking the pressures of a hard-driving, high-tech world to the prevalence of an easily threatened, easily angered point of view. Breaking its analysis into three parts, the program examines road rage, workplace aggression, and violence among sports spectators, with observations from police officers, anger management counselors, athletes, and recovering “ragers.” Nonviolent ways to assert needs and grievances are highlighted. (48 minutes)