Anger vs. Bitterness

Readers of this blog may have noticed anger in much of what I write in my posts, and you can rest assured that it will continue.

Anger expressed in art is an indication that one has seen an injustice; has reacted in a healthy, normal manner; and, as a result, feels compelled to share the reasons behind the anger in the hope that others might understand and join the fight to eliminate the injustice.

Would that the haters among us were capable of understanding this truth.

Instead, the Limbaughs, Hannitys, and O'Reillys, of the rabid-right bitterly ridicule anyone who dares to expose injustices they believe should be swept under the rug - injustices they secretly cherish. Their bitterness comes from a fear that they might lose the special privileges afforded to them by the perpetuation of those injustices - privileges to which they believe they are entitled, like preferential treatment vis-à-vis:

• employment
• education
• bank loans
• run-ins with the law
• and a host of other perks based on their supposed superiority to those negatively impacted by the injustice they deny exist

I hope that you do not mistake my anger at them for bitterness. To that end I offer the following:

The below shows a conversation which took place in 2006 between Maya Angelou and David Chappelle. Chappelle is a comedian, but there's nothing funny about their powerful dialogue.

Watch it in its entirety, payin special attention to the comments Maya Angelou makes at the end regarding the difference between anger and bitterness.

You should be angry. You must not be bitter. Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. It doesn’t do anything to the object of its displeasure. So use that anger. You write it. You paint it. You dance it. You march it. You vote it. You do everything about it. You talk it. Never stop talking it.

...and, in my case, you blog it.

Would that the haters among us were capable of understanding this truth. It would make all the difference.