Violence in music videos is another source of concern. White females are most frequently represented as the victims in such videos, and, in proportion to their population in the United States, Black males are overrepresented as both aggressors and victims. As a consequence, these videos may strengthen stereotypes of Black males as aggressive and White females as victims (Rich et al., 1998) Can aggression be reduced in American society? Not by letting off steam vicariously through watching aggression or violence in sports or the media, and not by engaging in aggressive but nonviolent behavior (Berkowitz, 1964; Josephson, 1987). The best hope is to find ways to reduce aggression in families, eliminate reinforcement for aggression, and remove excessive violence from the media (Eron, 1980).   Dimensions of Anger             Habitual Responses This section you will learn about specific ways of identifying the nature of your anger, specific skills to change your “habitual” responses to anger, and help you develop an anger plan that is specific to the dimensions of your anger.  To know what you’re supposed to do about handling your anger, you must become an expert in understanding yourself.  You need to know… what makes you angry? What are you doing to generate and promote it?  How often, how intense, how long are your anger episodes and how do you express your anger? What is the purpose of you anger? Who are you angry toward? Is your anger directed towards others with the intent to hurt them, or is it the result of life stressors such as divorce, illness, financial losses and physical limitations? Over time, anger responses develop into patterns that in turn become a habitual way of responding when you are angry. In order to understand the way you habitually respond, you need to monitor your anger. This self-awareness is achieved by self-monitoring. Is your anger on-going? Do you carry it around with you like baggage from situation to situation?   Ready to get your anger under control?  Start by considering these 10 anger management tips.   No. 1: Take a timeout Counting to 10 isn’t just for kids. Before reacting to a tense situation, take a few moments to breathe deeply and count to 10. If necessary, take a break from the person or situation until your frustration subsides a bit.   No. 2: Once you’re calm, express your anger As soon as you’re thinking clearly, express your frustration in an assertive but nonconfrontational way. State your concerns and needs clearly and directly, without hurting others or trying to control them.    No. 3: Get some exercise Physical activity can provide an outlet for your emotions, especially if you’re about to erupt.  If you feel your anger escalating, go for a brisk walk or run, or spend some time doing other favorite physical activities. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that can leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out.   No. 4: Think before you speak In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to say something you’ll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything – and allow others involved in the situation to do the same.

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