Why Is Everyone So Cranky

Charles asserts that the present society is in the grasp of some alarming trends that taken together appear to be an "anger epidemic" (1999, p. 1). As she states, "it's not simply a lack of manners, it's an open hostility" (p. 1). In this section, Charles sets forth two tests for screening for "crankiness" and stress, as well as advice on how the reader should use her book to their advantage. This includes taking the quizzes at the beginning of each chapter. She also suggests that those who think they are dangerously at their breaking point go straight to Chapter 13: The Emergency Department for a quick fix and diagnosis before moving onto those chapters that might be the most helpful.

Chapter 1: The Whining Turns to a Roar (pages 9-26)

In order to demonstrate how the cranky trends came about, Charles covers a brief history of the last 50 years. She covers from the hope and possibility of the 1950s, to the skeptical '60s, the sassy '70s, the egotistical '80s, and finally the nasty '90s, where she says "talk is cheap" (1999, p. 14).

One of the most significant changes during this time, asserts Charles, is how the expectation of something better, the American Dream, has become confused with entitlement (1999). An example of this problem is shown in the "Cranky Code," where the first statemen

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on for all this overspending. According to Charles, many people have exchanged the verb "want" for "need" and have thereby made former luxuries, necessities. They are doing this to fulfill a need to be significant, confident, attractive, young, and powerfulùand going into debt to do it. Charles suggestion is again, to reassess what is important in life. Evaluate what is a necessity versus a luxury. Instead of giving an expensive gift to impress, spend some time with the person and build a better relationship. This type of gift is much less expensive, as well as more long-lasting. Chapter 6: Competition (pages 157-190) This fifth trend has to do with population growth and the state of the world. Plainly speaking, there are just more people inhabiting this globe now than there ever have been. Therefore, there are more people competing for the same jobs, the same homes, the same space on the roads, the same goods in grocery stores, and the same seats in movie theaters. This means waiting longer on hold, in line at the store or to get onto the freeway onramp. Charles advice is to, once again, assess what is important. Plan ahead. Plan for long lines by starting out earlier, bringing a book or a project to do while waitin
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Approximate Word count = 2386
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page)

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