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Reactions
of anger, rage, and hatred in the wake of September 11 terrorist
attack are considered in light of the psychology of emotion
and stress. Acknowledging underlying grief and fear through
self-reflection, writing, and social communication is likely
to reduce unchecked anger, rage, and hatred. Hate crimes may
also have some psychological bases in responses to stress
called "flight-or-fight." When flight is not an option, identifying
and hating an enemy may have had evolutionary value for survival.
This response creates harm in the current situation. An alternative
cooperative response to stress, called "tend-and-befriend"
by researchers, will be more helpful.
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