TUF Workshop Blog

Alan Duff reappeared in court in Taupo last week and was acquitted of charges against him. He allegedly shouted in the face of a policewoman who stopped him for speeding and then tried to handcuff him. Duff told 3News he was angry with the policewoman. “I was angry but my lawyer did point out that a senior judge said that the right to speak inoffensively is no right at all. In other words, we are allowed to show emotion and everything else”

When asked whether people might compare him with Jake the Muss he gave a blunt answer. “Too ridiculous to give it the dignity of an answer”

Of course it is legal to express yourself when you are angry. It’s just that many New Zealanders aren't used to dealing with people who are full of passion. There really is a fear that an angry person will hit them or hurt them. 

We need to get used to the idea that people can show emotion and we don’t have to disappear on them. We can stay and make a relationship with someone who is angry.