Opinion: The Duality of Anger & Hope

Opinion Piece: The Duality of Anger & Hope: Why Faith in a Better Future is the Key to Making Change 

I believe that the message of hope being the ultimate savior is incredibly played out. I also believe that it’s true, to an extent. Hope is to have faith. It’s a flickering candle in the dark. When paired with anger, hope can be a pistol. I’m Black in America, and in the words of James Baldwin- to be Black and conscious in America is to be in a constant state of rage. Thinking about all the injustices that my people have endured, recalling the bullshit I’ve tasted personally, makes me pissed. And it should. Fascism should make you angry. The very fact you had to endure these things to begin with should fill you with an ancestral wave so tall you could drown all who’ve hurt you. 

To be oppressed, and conscious, is to be angry. 

A bullet can’t shoot itself, though, it needs a pistol. You have a right to your anger, but where do you put it without faith? What’s the point in knowing what’s wrong, and just sitting there and being mad about it? Now I know, I know. We’re all young. You feel powerless. I do too, and that’s why I’m writing this blog. Do something with that anger. Don’t let that rage fester with no release because I promise you somewhere in your soul is a voice worth listening to. 

I promise you, your voice matters. Every single voice matters. 

This week, I started school. Among others, I’m taking an AP African American History class. The history of black Americans is rife with political and societal struggle. But at its core, to learn Black history is to learn a story of survival. I’m inspired by the stories of my ancestors right now. Of how they fought for what they knew they deserved. At its core: what motivated these people was a drive to create a better future. It’s that same drive that motivates activists now. 

Now I’m not telling you to go outside and start a riot. Though if you feel so inclined, don’t let me stop you. I’m imploring you, readers, to do something with your feelings. Divert that energy into fighting back. Every act of resistance means something. Educating yourself is an act of resistance. Especially when constantly told you don’t deserve it. Just look at how African-Americans got our right to education. A tweet is an act of resistance. Self-love is an act of resistance. Art is an act of resistance. No matter how small, all of it matters.