Sometimes whole groups of people get angry. Typically this anger is born out of true injustice. When we encounter angry groups like this, what can we do?
I'm thinking about this because I have encountered a few groups like this recently. Their anger is real, deep, strong--their anger is like a strong wind that blows you over. I am trying to understand their anger, and do something positive about it.
One group represents a long history of oppression, hurt, hate, and harm. Their anger is well founded, ripe, and frightening. Sometimes this anger is used in very positive ways, and sometimes this anger is damaging. While I don't share in the roots of this anger, I recognize the truth of the matter--there's good reason why this group is angry. I will do what I can to support this group in ways that create better conditions by supporting leadership that understands this issue and works against it. I will learn more about this group, what they know and desire, and support this group in positive ways possible.
Another group's anger is less easy to understand. They are an angry group who likely represent multiple reasons for their anger--this, in many ways, seems to be a group of disparate individuals who are outcasts for one reason or another. The hate spewed by some members of this group is very dangerous and destructive. It seems like hate is what binds them more than anything else. What can I do in this situation. First, I believe this group has to be reminded of common values of good living--no violence, hate, hurt, prejudice, destruction to make change. To live our best lives is one way to counter this group, and to give this group little attention for their hateful expression and to hold them accountable for their illegal acts is essential.
Recent events have made me think a lot about the deep roots of anger, and how individuals and society should deal with those deep roots. We have to recognize anger that is based on society's deadly, destructive practices past and present, and we have to do all we can to rid society of those practices. We also have to recognize that roots of individual anger that lie in mental illness, physical illnesses, and depraved childhoods and circumstances. We have to learn how to prevent circumstances that create depravity and learn to cure those whose mental illness or physical illness leads to dangerous anger.
Anger is a sign that something has to change. We have to take anger in groups and individuals seriously, and do what we can to make better. Onward.