Politics of anger

Who'd a thunk it? Take away hard-fought rights and people get angry. In contrast to the Stonewall riots in 1969, the demonstrations in response to the Calif. ban have been peaceful (though sometimes loud), in spite of several commentators trying to tag them as a mob. Even so, anger is appropriate -- even if it gets into a politics of anger. I hadn't been aware of such a concept before, but here are some things to think about (which is why I created this blog).

When people get angry the forget their "place." If you don't remember how you're supposed to fit into society and get angry because of the slot you've been put into, those who made you angry will quickly call for "healing." That means you shouldn't -- are not supposed to -- be angry. Which is another way of saying those who angered you shouldn't have to face the consequences of what made you angry. The batterer is saying to the battered, "Look what you made me do by ignoring your place. And if you don't shut up I'll really give you something to cry about."

A white guy's anger is justified. If he's angry there must be a good reason. But an "angry black woman"? Not so much. She's expected to remain calm, keep her voice low. Because her anger -- like that of any racial or sexual minority -- isn't justified. Anger implies entitlement to goods or power and if you aren't due those things you have nothing to be angry about when they are denied. But then dignity and humanity also gets denied. Then people have had enough and start acting on their anger.

The problem is properly directing that anger. You must focus on the right target. Otherwise, one takes on the worst traits of those doing harm, the abused becomes the abuser.

Instead the anger must be taken to the oppressors, those who did the harm, those that wanted the harm done, and those that allowed it to happen. Even then there is a difference between protest and riot. They'll be upset because you were supposed to just "take it." But their comfort should not be at your expense. Also tell your own story and encourage others to tell theirs. Making a case for your own humanity may inspire others to take action.

First, you need anger, the light and the heat of that fire. Then you need to focus it -- to get organized and to take action. Repeat as necessary until the cancer is burned away and the wounds are cauterized. Then you heal. This is from another essay by Terrence Heath, who describes himself as a black, gay father.