I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of anger right now. The news is relentless: police brutality, cities in chaos, and a president who seems to revel in sowing discord. Friends and family are revealing their hidden prejudices, and let’s not forget that COVID-19 is still a significant threat, despite some people acting like it has simply disappeared. From dawn till dusk, this fury consumes me. I’m a white, cisgender, straight woman, fully aware of my privilege, yet the intensity of my rage is suffocating. I find myself snapping at my kids, which is the last thing I want to do. What can I do?
Your Anger is Valid
First off, your anger is valid. In fact, it’s great that you’re feeling this way—you should be angry! I share your frustration. Like you, I recognize my privilege as a white, straight, cisgender woman and I’m actively working to educate myself about the systemic racism ingrained in our society. The state of our nation is infuriating, and it feels like everywhere we turn, there’s evidence of the chaos. Our social media feeds are filled with posts from relatives we thought we had distanced ourselves from. It’s exhausting, and it’s impossible to escape.
Channeling Your Rage
But here’s the crucial part: we shouldn’t try to escape. Our anger is not the enemy; it’s actually a powerful catalyst for change. The real question is how we choose to channel that rage. Sure, we can get caught up in online arguments, but we can also transform our anger into meaningful action. With privilege comes the responsibility to make a positive impact.
I’m not a therapist, but I’ve been through enough therapy to understand that anger often masks deeper emotions like hurt or fear. Identifying the root cause of your anger can help you find constructive outlets for it. If you keep all that rage bottled up, it can spill over into your interactions in unhealthy ways—like when I found myself yelling at my kids over their messy room or petty squabbles. My children aren’t the source of my frustration; that’s directed at those who perpetuate racism and the current state of leadership in our country.
Productive Outlets for Anger
My advice? Find ways to direct your anger productively. Get involved with local organizations that need support, educate yourself on the history of racism and white privilege, or read books like “Stamped” or “A Kids Book About Racism” with your children. Engage in local protests or contribute to bail funds for arrested protesters. Volunteer with groups like Black Lives Matter or Standing Up For Racial Justice; these organizations often seek help and offer opportunities for involvement. If you want to do something more immediate, consider starting a virtual prayer vigil or a petition. Don’t forget to follow voices of color on social media and listen to their needs without expecting them to do the emotional labor for you.
Self-Care is Important
While you’re at it, make sure to take care of yourself. Activism is a marathon, not a sprint. If scrolling through social media increases your anger, take a break. Limit your news intake to once or twice a day. Focus on activities that inspire you rather than drain you. Always remember, your anger is justified—don’t feel guilty about it. Use it as fuel to contribute to the change you want to see.
Further Resources
For more insights on this topic, check out this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination to see how you can further educate yourself. You can also visit this blog post for additional information.
In Summary
In summary, channeling your anger into positive action is essential. Acknowledge your feelings, educate yourself, and find ways to make a difference in your community. Your passion can lead to meaningful change, so embrace it and let it drive you forward.