She Strengthens

The Power of Anger: A Catalyst for Change

A Righteous Emotion

For many of us, anger is a readily accessible emotion, even if it’s not always comfortable to feel. With systemic injustices and abuses of power targeting Black bodies, it’s no wonder anger simmers just below the surface. The constant stream of information at our fingertips can be both a blessing and a curse, keeping us informed but also taking a toll on our mental health.

The Weight of Racist Violence

Black men, in particular, bear the brunt of racist violence, with the news and social media often serving as painful reminders of their vulnerability. Research has shown that exposure to racist content can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and PTSD-like symptoms in adolescents. Non-Black men of color also experience negative mental health consequences, as they’re acutely aware of the ways they’re othered due to their skin tone or nationality.

The Complexity of Anger for BIPOC Men

Anger is a complicated emotion for Black and Indigenous men. While society often views angry men as passionate leaders, there’s a double standard at play. Angry Black women, for instance, are not afforded the same level of acceptance. Moreover, the stereotype that Black skin connotes anger and violence can be suffocating, making it difficult for BIPOC men to express their emotions without being judged or feared.

Harnessing Anger for Good

The key to successfully managing anger is to acknowledge its validity. It’s essential to recognize that frustration and anger are reasonable reactions to a hostile and racist system. Rather than internalizing these emotions, which can lead to negative health consequences, we must identify, sit with, and act on them.

Responsibility and Action

It’s crucial to understand that anger is not an excuse for violence or abuse. Instead, we must channel our anger into productive and progressive ways. This might involve lifting our voices in protest, rallying our communities to vote for anti-racist candidates, or speaking out against racism. By doing so, we can transform our anger into a powerful catalyst for change.

Beneath the Surface of Anger

As we delve deeper into our emotions, we often find that beneath the umbrella of anger lies a well of pain. This pain can stem from feelings of powerlessness, fear, and trauma. By acknowledging and exploring these emotions through journaling, meditation, self-care, and therapy, we can begin to heal and find our true selves.

Embracing the Completeness of Anger

To truly cope with anger, we must allow ourselves to feel its completeness, without pretense or the need to fix it. By doing so, we can empower ourselves to reach out and share our thoughts, needs, and feelings with others. Then, our anger becomes a strength, rather than a liability, and we can use it to build a better world for ourselves and our communities.