We have no shortage of violence in South Africa currently. And especially with the wave of looting we experienced recently, it really got out of hand.
What I find most disturbing, is the idea that "it is your human right" to give expression to your emotions. That opens the door to basically just do as you please in some cases and then blame it on circumstances...or your emotions...as if you had no control over it. In other words, if I don't like things the way they are, my emotions take over and I can do as I please...even resort to violence.
Yet when others stand up to protect their loved ones and their property, one is not "allowed to take the law into your own hands". Even when the authorities attempt to contain the violence, they must handle the culprits with gloves and please "not use excessive force" (irrespective of their own safety). There is something wrong with this picture.
I fully agree with the message contained in your post. We need to practice self-control and thus take control of our emotions. Yes, we can and will feel those emotions, but it's the way we respond to those emotions that makes the difference.