Why is it when black people talk about issues affecting blacks and black communities, we are asked, “why are you getting angry?”
That is hilarious.
What’s even more hilarious is that often we deny it, even though the pitch in our voice has increased, our blood pressure is elevated and every other stress response in our bodies is in full “fight mode.”
The question is, what is wrong with being angry? By definition, anger is merely a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure or hostility. I agree with annoyance and displeasure, but I only become hostile when provoked. Nevertheless, it’s what I opt to do with my annoyance, displeasure and (provoked) hostility that is often perceived as the issue.
For me, I choose to use my words. I remember being told, “words can’t hurt you.” Have you ever heard, “those are fighting word.” Because words, spoken or written can be powerful.
What’s perceived by some as anger, is merely self expression to others.
In fact, if you were to look at and understand some of the disparities experienced by blacks in the U.S., you would be angry too! IJS
Stirring Up Trouble by DrVLoLil 
I have always thought that this was an attempt to change the subject. It is easier to accuse someone of being unreasonable and angry than it is to face deep issues of institutionalized racism.
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We have to condition ourselves not to respond to their traps that they set.
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Very insightful post, it is unfortunate many are unwilling to discuss issues that they lack interest or understanding in. As a student with an interest in politics, I have been asked “why are you getting angry?” many times when discussing issues that I am passionate about. My passion is perceived as anger, but I agree, what is wrong with being angry? I feel that this question shows an unwillingness from others to understand the disparities experienced by groups they are unfamiliar with, because if they were to begin to understand, they would not question the cause of anger.
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I wrote about this on my blog.
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Many Americans are lead to believe that our country was founded on Christian principles however, contrary to popular belief the African American community views things differently. A historical legacy of mistreatment serves as proof that America was built on fear and injustice alone. Growing up as a black middle class American, I’ve become all too familiar with the injustices surrounding racial and social inequalities. Many of those outside of the African American community deny the fact that racial injustice still exist to this day, but I see it in the educated blacks that are overlooked in corporate America because their names are too ethnic or their skin is too dark, in the cab drivers faces that pass us by in the streets of New York city because of our attire or again because of the color of our skin, and most importantly I see it in the media when America labels its blacks as hoodlums or thugs. So when asked, “Why are black people so angry?” I can only reply in truth by saying we live in a country that was built on our ancestors sweat and tears, but we are still viewed as insignificant because of the color of our skin.
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The issued that you stated above is the reason why, in my opinion, black people will continue to misheard and not taken seriously. There is nothing wrong with being angry, but the decision that is made after becoming angry is the problem. As the news portrays it, it shows that the colored community continues to show their anger in an aggressive obstructive way. If we all made the same decision to use our words to make a point then I believe we would be closer to dealing with the problems causing the black community to be so angry.
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Dr. Lopez-Littleton,
I also find it hilarious when people ask“why are you getting angry?” when it comes to speaking about issues affecting the black community. An appropriate response for this question would be “why not?” With all of the issues that are affecting the black community including institutionalized racism (which you have mentioned in earlier posts) and the racism currently found within the police force around the nation (which we witness in the news frequently), having a clearly physical response is appropriate. The most important thing in this issue is what you do with the anger you feel during these conversations. If the angry response is expressed in an illegal or inappropriate manner than obviously, this is the type of reaction we want to avoid, but expressing anger to an issue directly affecting the community you belong to is completely understandable.
The controversy that surround the deaths of Treyvon Martin, Michael Brown and even Freddie Grey would be enough to cause obvious hostile reactions in anyone who is concerned about these issues. But anger is not necessarily a bad response, I feel that in order to promote awareness within the community and truely spark a fire in those who have the ability to make change happen, anger is definitely one of the most effective ways of expressing feelings of concern, disapproval and discontent. After all, why would anyone with the power to influence change work to implement positive change if no one expresses the fact that they care. Anger is one of the best ways to demonstrate passion and passion is one of the best ways to spark the path towards change.
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Words are the strongest thing to get to a person. Some people do not realize the things that they say. And they do not realize the effect that the words that they are saying can do as well. It goes to the saying think before speak. If a lot of people would do that, maybe we wouldn’t be angry
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Society seems to have no insight on how powerful words are now a days. This only enables those with ignorant comments to continue to speak without thinking of the repercussions of their words.
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I believe that words can be powerful yet people who use negative powerful words in regards critical issues, do not fully understand that their words can make someone angry. I think if words can make you angry is because it is a topic that you really care about. It is important that others think before they speak. As an introvert, I think before I speak. I analyze what I am going to say first then I speak. In my opinion, extroverts have a more difficult time to think before they speak. I feel it is necessary to analyze the words we are going to use before it can make someone angry, especially about critical topics that society rarely talks about.
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Scrolling down your post this one seemed to catch my eye right away. It’s interesting to see how such an emotion can stir up so many issues. Just as some people may enjoy to cry or feel bad for them selves once in a while. I believe it’s the same thin with anger. We have to let our frustrations out one way or another. Overall, very fun post to read.
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Hello! Dear Doctor Vanessa, I want to post my comment.
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Well post it then. LOL
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