“I’m Mad as Hell!”
In the 1976 movie “Network,” anchorman Howard Beale shouted, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!”
Actor Peter Finch (d.1977) received a posthumous Oscar.
All over the country, people opened their windows and shouted out this statement at the top of their lungs. Much of what he said is still relevant today. (Watch Network-I’m mad as hell on U-tube.com)
Are you mad as hell? If you aren’t, you should be.
Well, I am, and I’m not going to take this anymore. I have my own soapbox, this blog, and so I can do something about it – if only shouting to the world from this corner of mine.
Here’s a New Year’s essay that I wrote two years ago:
January 1st, 2009
“Thus ends a year, and one, so small a thing, they never knew their hopes for 2009 were all a dream.” I paraphrase partly from a poem by W.H.Davies.
I hate to see another year end mainly because it’s like losing an old friend. A loss of 365 days that I’ll never see again. One year less in my life, but one year’s gain in wisdom and experience. I see all those eager, cheering young faces braving the cold in Times Square with their hopes, God bless them, of the promise of a new year. What are they celebrating? That suddenly, miraculously, there will be a rebound to former glory days with Barack Obama leading the parade, and that the God of Peace will intervene and stop the slaughter and wars and brewing hatreds in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Georgia, Ukraine, etc.
2009 will be, I fear, another year of diminishing hopes. Hamas and Israel are at each other’s throats again – have they ever stopped? – sending rockets into each other’s backyards. After the attack on Mumbai, India and Pakistan are massing forces on their borders – or haven’t they been at war for years using the once peaceful paradise of Kashmir as their battleground? A million dead in the Republic of Congo – but who seems to care? Child soldiers and genocide in Sierra Leone and Darfur, and the Lord only knows where else. Iraq supposedly has quieted down, but Afghanistan has heated up and beware intruders in that country. Once blooming Rhodesia is now a crumbling Zimbabwe. Conflicts in Latin America such as the increasingly deadly struggle with the narcos in Mexico. China is all over the place – as in your local Wal-Mart, set on world dominance through economic trade. Everyone owes them. How many trillions? Water shortages versus floods. Hundred of thousands dead due to malnutrition, diseases, natural disasters. Overpopulation.
And who are the true masters of this world who pull our strings? The ones who have either screwed up terribly – or deliberately – in order to establish and continue world chaos. Arms dealers. Oil tycoons. Bankers, those money lenders, launderers, and usurers who are impoverishing many who dare stick their heads up from below the middle-class belt.
What about religions and their influence? The Vatican has lost its grip to disbelief and scandal. Fundamentalist Christians influence political decisions in this country. Extremist Muslim fundamentalists breed terrorist groups to undermine political stability in predominantly Muslim countries and in major cities in the West (New York, Madrid, London). 9/11 was just the beginning.
Who cares about the man on the street when the problems are so overwhelming? He’s just an excuse to win votes. No soup kitchen in the world can feed everyone. Instead, this country has been fed on a sense of entitlement, fast food, over-the-top dreams, neurosis, drugs, paranoia, invisible power – whether from God or the White House, oil dependency, mysterious ailments for which big pharmaceutical companies offer relief – but watch out for multiple side effects – and addiction, shadowy enemies stronger than real ones, and the hangover effect of 9/11 – that blow to our national ego.
Nothing is as it seems and nothing is the truth.
It took money – and lots of it – for the powers-to-be to place the most unexpected, unlikely candidate at the helm. Like many others, I hope Obama will rise to the occasion. Symbolically speaking, he offers a sorely needed hope, but will those hidden forces that manage the world stand behind him or let him be ravaged when current woes don’t disappear? Can he save this ship from foundering on the rocks of disaster? Only if they say so.
What about people like me trying to make a new start in middle age?
We continue to exist in this bubble constructed by others, our very subsistence at the mercy of those “in power.” Should we sit back and take it as banks foreclose our homes and big companies lay us off, and we get told we’re too old/overqualified/outdated or whatever other excuses they dream up, to hire? While our lives may not exactly be in our hands to dispose of the way we’d like to or plan, there may be something we can do to make them more our own.
Ours is the generation that took on the Establishment in the 60s. We can’t all be sinking into old age and allowing ourselves to be lulled into submission.
What’s happened to the generation that shouted, sang, wrote, pleaded, protested, and got mad as hell when we saw injustices happening? We still have voices to be heard plus years of accumulated experience and knowhow.
So let’s be Mad as Hell and do Something about it.
Tags: "I'm mad as hell!", "Network" film, 60s generation, Ageism, America of the underdog, economic sinkhole, Financial ruin, former professionals, God of Peace, Masters of the world, Mexico, Midlife job loss, new career start, Nothing is the truth, The Establishment, W.H. Davies
This entry was posted on Thursday, January 6th, 2011 at 4:47 am and is filed under Challenges & opportunities after professional job loss, Midlife professional challenges, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
25 Responses to ““I’m Mad as Hell!””
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Might not always follow my own advice…but my favorite slogan is : “just do it”!!!
Christopher,
A good slogan. Now live up to it!
You’re a good example to follow. We should all have our own soapboxes so that, united in our message, we can create greater public awareness of these problems and avoid, as much as we are able, an impending catastrophe …
Hi Benjamin,
Everyone could have their own soapbox and/or join their voices – and they have done that not only in the past, but also in the present when movements such as Avaaz help right wrongs across the planet. My particular goal is to invigorate more of the 60s generation to take back some of what we have lost to ageism, technology, and economic turmoil.
Dear Penny,
Howard Beale shouted, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!” ????
Recently I had to shout about something that was unfair – should I have been Howard, I could have been quoted, perhaps…
Instead I was labeled as “Hysterical”. All this happened through email, where I wrote down the facts about the issue and my corresponding action. I did not even shout. I was labeled “hysterical” by a man. I did not use bad words, I did not insult anyone, I did not manifest my feelings. Just facts.
On the same issue, another man said that women were dangerous and that men should be careful to deal with us. One of the men said that my text showed “anger” – when in fact I just mentioned facts (dates, actions and requested clarification).
Again, I never shouted – I just wrote the facts and the corrective action to be taken.
I realize that if a man gets mad and shouts, it is ok – but not if it is a woman.
The women´s lib movement has its effects in our society – some women may shout and go out of control, just in the same way as men do. But why are we labeled like that?
Lucía
Lucia,
Very interesting what you are saying – that you didn’t even shout, just stated the facts on what must have been a controversial issue (?) and you were labeled “hysterical” and criticized for it. Worse yet, the man who called women “dangerous.” For God’s sakes, in what period does he live? Still back in the Neanderthal era. If you can, please send me a copy of what you wrote – I’d be interested to see why this aroused such criticism. If it showed “anger,” bully for you. We women have to shout as loud as we can. Try and hook up with my friend, Ellen Snortland, on Facebook. She’s an expert in this field.
You have every reason to be mad and I admire you for not just taking it. I have no doubt in your success and have learned much from your perseverance.
Thanks Zoe, for your comment.
Ditto to you about success and perseverance.
You know when you left High School they said, “Welcome to the real world.” Well, the post computer age has given power freaks and control freaks a means to control more and more of people’s lives with less and less effort on their part. Economic Slavery is a reality. We are moving into an period where you are only as valuable as your bank account. Cash is king or better yet account data is everything. You can get as mad as you want, but unless you can hack a computer, you aren’t going to be listened to. If you want to be really depressed, go interview the current homeless in this country. Many are educated, served their country with distinction, and are relatively still healthy. They can’t believe they are standing in the street with nothing.
When we are all standing in the street looking at each other, and the tax revenues stop, those that live off our money will be moved to listen. If young people will stop burning out their brains on drugs, stop playing video games all day, those leaders still working from their conscious will have something to work with. But until the population of mad, angry people with nothing to do but complain get a clue – you’re just wasting the CEO of life’s time.
John,
You make some good points. I agree entirely about the homeless as I do get into talks and discussions with them, often articulate and philosophical. Many I have talked with or listened to during my walks in downtown San Diego or on public transportation have insightful, meaningful comments about life, politics, the economy, etc.
Hi Penelope !
Just got your blog from my friend Ellen Snortland and like what you wrote in this blog. Came to USA in 1980 from Sweden and have watched America on it’s downturn for the last 30 years in most areas from schools,union,healthcare and every other institution that creates a balance in a great society. Where consumption and TV is the biggest drug to the masses to keep them numb and dumb… and the Idea of how great America is sold everywhere here in the US. It’s like watching an addict selling the idea that he has no problem. I guess we all have to hit bottom before we can face who we are in the matter of life. Wonder what type of movement you would like to start and how you see it come about. I, myself, am starting a documentary on Vietnam Vets in LA and Gig Harbor where I have been for the last 3 month doing work on my best friend’s Eamonn Cranny’s house. For me, it has to be creating consciousness and a conversation that engages people of all ages and backgrounds… Having a hard time being a paying customer on Titanic as it is getting closer and closer to the iceberg and the ice cold water that is waiting for us all if we don’t get rid of the arrogance and ignorance that reside on the bridge of this boat and experiment America.
All the best to you and know I’m going out and scream so that everyone can hear me…. “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!”
Kent
Hi Kent,
Thanks for your insightful comment. I love your metaphor about being a paying customer on the Titanic. Yes, I would like to start a movement, “I’m mad as hell and I’m going to do something about it!” among older Americans who still have a lot to contribute to this country, but are being overlooked or discarded in the workplace. BTW, this is nothing new – it has been going since the late 80s and has just got worse with the economic down slide. For several years, I have been writing about how difficult it can be for many mid life former professionals to make new starts. So please, yes, come shout with me and others like us. Maybe if enough of us unite, we might get heard more.
I can hear your anger and frustration. Don’t forget though, all the young students with degrees who cannot get jobs. When we were young, it was much easier to find a job. There are many graduating students who can’t use their education or degrees. That must also be very frustrating for them. I wish you all the best in 2011
Hi Sonia,
Yes, it’s alarming that so many graduating students find it hard to get jobs in their chosen fields. However, they still have years ahead to find their way – and if they’re talented and determined, they will eventually. For people in their late fifties and sixties, job hunting is not just frustrating, they can be made to feel that there’s no sense in trying and they might just as well give up and be put out to pasture.
Hi Penelope,
I am mad at all our polititcans that instead of focusing in the problems of the country , they keep wasting time in frivolities. The only reason being that since they can not solve the problems , they want to take the attention of the public elsewhere.
Elena, You’re so right. A lot of time is wasted on frivolities that divert public attention – hence Sarah Palin. However, the problems go much deeper than we can possibly imagine or envision, and I can’t entirely blame the politicians in this country for everything that goes wrong. We, the public, are but serfs to the forces that really dominate the world.
My father was founder of a worldwide organization of Hupmobile enthusiasts.
More importantly, he was founder of a worldwide organization he called TOADs, an acronym for The Olympian Auto Drivers.
In his unique style, this organization’s membership consisted of anyone anywhere who drove, admired, had any interest in, or once thought about antique and/or classic automobiles.
Very egalitarian, I’d say.
There was no membership fee, no board of directors, no rules or bylaws, and most members did not even know they were members. But, according to him, by their most fleeting interest in classic automobiles, they were.
Great concept.
Dear reader, allow me to take it and run in a slightly different direction.
I would like to imagine a world consortium for peace and stability… the Enlightened Collective.
Like the TOADs, membership would consist of anyone anywhere who has thought about, wished for, imagined, discussed or shown interest in peace and stability, while still allowing for diversity of life choices, opinion and behavior, as long as they hold in their mind the idea of peace and stability.
Actually, just such small action on the part of millions of individuals could create quite a power.
However, unlike the TOADs, I would like for every member to know they are a member.
And the ONLY dogma attached is that in each and every moment of their day, in each behavior, action and choice they make, that every member of this humanity-wide Enlightened Collective, hold in their mind this litmus test:
Is what I am doing congruent with behavior that would create peace and stability for all concerned?
Pretty simple.
Very straightforward.
What say we try it?
Pennie, I am so glad you brought this up.
What I hear in this discussion is the archetypal primal scream of victimized frustration.
It’s a great discussion and it has to start somewhere.
You can’t address something if you deny it exists, and way too much of our collective time and energy is spent denying the direness of our situation.
Our news and media completely ignore it because advertisers don’t make money on it. But the fact is that:
We are overpopulating our planet as though reproduction was an inalienable right rather than a stewardship responsibility.
Our financial system is just a huge ponzi scheme.
Our metropolitan infrastructures are failing.
Our prejudices and religions are leading us to conflict and resistance.
We are trusting our resources to politicians, lobbyists and wall street greed mongers.
We are under threat of terrorist incursion within our borders.
Our overused, dwindling water resources are becoming hazardously polluted.
We are overtaxing our farmlands without remorse.
We are burning up the earth’s nonrenewable oil reserves at an alarming rate.
That’s why I’m glad you brought this up, Pennie.
Of course we’re all mad as hell and don’t want to take it any more.
What can I do about it…what can we do about it…what is “it” that we do something about.
Inform ourselves.
Think globally. Act locally. No joke.
First, take a look at any of Eckart Tolle’s books. They are the “Clarissa explains it all” of how the universe really works.
Second, take a look at History Channel’s very insightful production, “Prophets of Doom.” Though a very off-putting name, it is an honest discussion among six very tuned-in scientific and technologically aware professionals that clearly admits our dire situation. However, in the end the consensus is good news and bad news.
The bad news is that there’s no one place we can go to complain and get the whole thing resolved post haste without our having to give up any conveniences or make any sacrifices.
The good news is there is something we can do in the hopes that proactive choices by each and every one of us can at least dodge the worst bullets. I’d rather be wounded than dead.
Third, talk about it. Talk to everyone about it. Encourage everyone else to talk about it. Open the discussion so we can all admit that we are, as a culture, deeply off trajectory and hurtling toward inevitable disaster unless we begin to take responsibility for where we are as a culture. And what is a culture….yep, just a whole bunch of individuals. That means the good news is that if enough individuals take action, there’s a chance to adjust the whole trajectory.
I agree that we old hippies need to brush off our old love beads and ideals, and get going on some action items.
Start acting locally. Don’t play into the hands of the mongers. Take your money out of the bank and the stock market. Stop playing the stock market. Get rid of your credit cards. Pay them off if you can, but once you know that if you default on your credit cards, your credit will be ruined but the bank who owns the debt will make money off your default three times: 1) their insurance will reimburse the loss, 2) they will take the bad debt off their taxes, 3) they sell the debt to a collection agency, you realize all you really have to lose is your credit rating, which again is a scam developed by the banks to have control over us little guys who are forced to borrow “their” money just to keep the wolf from the door. Yep, they make money even though they harass you till you’re on your knees, and make you feel like you’re the bad person, even though you’re just a victim of circumstance.
Plant a garden. Produce food in the neighborhood. Plant fruit and nut trees in every city parkway, park, yard and anywhere else there’s space. Demand that your city officials plant food-bearing trees in city spaces, instead of “decorator” trees. Get together to plant and grow neighborhood vegetable gardens. Create co-ops for food instead of supporting McDonalds and Jack-In-The-Box and all the other mega-conglomerates.
Use less water. Be careful what you put in storm drains and down your drains. If you’ve got resources, buy a property where you can have your own water well, and pump it with solar power, if you can.
Quit wanting a bigger house, with fancy floors and granite everything, and uber-high-class, resource-wasting finishes and conveniences.
Walk, carpool, ride-share, ride a bike, scooter, or anything else you can think of.
Quit buying things that are outsourced, manufactured or otherwise come from China, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea and other outsourcing countries, and force our “powers that be” to bring home the manufacturing, processing, production and customer service that’s been undermining our economy.
No one can do all of this stuff all by themselves. Nor can they do it all right now. But what each of us can do is make different small choices each and every day with these things in mind. We can share ideas on how to act locally, support each other in acting locally, and each make small personal trajectory adjustments along our daily path that could potentially add up to a big change globally.
Lastly, here’s a hopeful example to put under your pillow and sleep on.
Back in the ’70′s Nestle company was selling tainted baby formula, that the food and drug administration wouldn’t allow them to sell in the US, to unsuspecting third-world countries where desperate mothers were pumping it into their treasured babies. The Jewish worldwide womens’ organization, Hadassah, got mad as hell and didn’t want to take it any more. So, they got together and agreed that every Hadassah member worldwide would not buy ANY Nestle product. And they didn’t. My mother-in-law (and me and all her cohorts and friends all over the world) read every label before she put a product in her shopping cart, and if it came from Nestle corporation, she would not buy it. Well, it took a few years, but Nestle finally stopped selling the tainted product and took it entirely off the market, because a worldwide group of little Jewish ladies made them.
Think about it.
Hi CJ.
Wow! I think your comment deserves a soapbox of its own. It’s loaded with important points. I particularly liked the one about the Hadassah moms against Nestle because of tainted baby formula.
Someone who read my post suggested we start an “I’m Mad as Hell!” movement and I think you should also be a founding member. We can start with this comment/article, and I’m sure you can write others along these lines. I’d also like to use this as a future guest post – with your okay, of course.
Wow! What a lot of discussion this subject has generated. Seens like many people are “mad as hell”. Well, power is in numbers and the pen is mightier than the sword. it would be great if some someone in the media picked this up. Congrats on getting something started here.
Anne,
Yes, a lot of people are “mad as hell” for a lot of different reasons and the comments here only represent a few more vocal ones. Too many people hesitate to raise their voices unless others lead the way, and even then, it’s a long hard uphill slog to be heard. Let’s see what happens.
Penelope: you recently commented on my blog. As coincidence would have it, a few days ago I happened to watch “Network” again. I remembered the film and it was interesting to revisit it. I agree, it points to many problems that still seem relevant. I think of major importance is an informed public. Very few Americans have ever read our Constitution, for example, including an alarming number of our representatives in Congress! I like your post. I don’t think there are any simple answers, of course. But it does seem urgent that we all, in our own way, speak up and make a difference in our every day lives.
Barbara: I agree strongly with what you say, particularly your last line. We all have the capacity to speak up and make a difference – even if it’s just adding our names to petitions and causes. My main aim with my book/website/blog is to motivate people 50+ (and even younger) to make new starts or comebacks after job, home or status loss. Many enter the ranks of the working or non working poor, as did I, thus driving up the statistics to about 40% of the population of this supposedly richest nation on earth.
Pennie, I was just putting together parts of the interview today and especially identified with our chat about the difference between US and Mexico/Latin America when it comes to politics. I loved how you told me that it’s easy to see “the powers that be” in Mexico and we all know what they control. What’s less obvious is that the same happens in the US, it’s just more subtle and hidden such that people are led to believe in democracy and freedom. I definitely see how this could be a controversial post and kudos to you for sharing your thoughts on this! =)
It seems that you share my feelings about politics and also about the amount of deception that often misleads the public into believing one thing when another is true. At least, in countries like Mexico this is very obvious and everybody recognizes this but here, it’s another story. Also, as I mentioned, I left out certain parts of my tirade as they hit too close to home for comfort.