Lots of great responses. I would just be rephrasing some well articulated points to cover the same territory. I can make an additional comment or so…
It is a virtue. In and of itself. One’s temper, or fuse, can be a problem. As mentioned above, anger can reduce rational thought. So. Someone who gets angry easily, may be acting irrationally frequently. Irrational thought can lead to unintended, or unwanted consequences of the irrational actions. Anger is indeed a sort of defense mechanism. Walking around angry would be like walking around with a gun… It’s overkill, and unwarranted. In most cases…
Anger can be a deterrent too. It can make someone back down from a fight. I’ve seen a momma bear make a much larger bear back down, when projecting her anger to protect her cubs. It’s a risky card to play though, as it’s like bluffing in poker. If you go all in, you better have an ace in the hole.
When I’m working as a LEO, or bouncing, I am generally stoic. Or at least I appear to be. I keep a stone face, until the situation calls for anger. I use the anger. Either to intimidate someone who might hurt/kill me, or to override my fear. I don’t want to fight five guys, but sometimes I have to. Anger gives me incredible power. I can literally feel it start coursing through my veins. It could be described as addictive. Or drug like in effect. There’s even a crash l, of sorts, after the adrenaline wears off.
Some people seem addicted to being angry. They subconsciously search for things to be angry about. These people make bad roommates…
The biggest problem is misdirected anger. I deal with that ALL THE TIME…
Someone mentioned alcohol. That can erode a person’s judgement. Making someone more likely to interpret a situation incorrectly. Leading to anger, and potentially violence.
It’s like most emotions. There’s a time, and place for it…