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Dear Home Insemination Kit,
I’m absolutely furious. We’re witnessing police brutality, cities in chaos, and a president who only seems to stoke the flames of violence and division. Friends and family are revealing their ugly sides as overt racists, while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to haunt us. Some people act like the virus has simply disappeared, heading out to bars and gatherings without a care in the world. From the moment I wake up until I go to sleep, I am filled with rage. I’m a white, cisgender, straight woman, and while I recognize my privilege—including my white privilege—this anger can be overwhelming. It’s so intense that I find myself taking it out on my children, which I absolutely want to avoid. What can I do?
Feeling angry? Good! You should be. I share your rage. There’s a lot to be upset about right now. Like you, I’m also a white, straight, cisgender woman aware of my privilege. I’m dedicated to educating myself and confronting our nation’s long history of systemic racism, not to mention the rampant individual racism we see today. The news serves as a grim reminder of just how broken our society is. Our social media feeds are cluttered with the racist rants of relatives we thought we’d left behind (surprise! Ugh). It’s impossible to escape the chaos.
But here’s the thing: we shouldn’t try to look away. We must confront our anger head-on. Our righteous anger is not the problem; rather, it’s how we channel that anger that matters. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media and engaging in fruitless arguments, we can turn our fury into action. We can use this energy to fuel our commitment to change. With our privilege comes the responsibility to make a difference.
I’m not a therapist or a psychologist, but I’ve spent significant time in therapy. One thing I’ve learned is that anger often stems from other emotions—hurt, confusion, or fear. Sometimes, anger is the root emotion itself. Identifying what’s underneath your anger can help you figure out how to address it. If your rage remains unchanneled, it can lead to unintended outbursts. For example, I recently found myself snapping at my kids over their messy room and constant bickering. But the truth is, they’re not the source of my frustration.
I’m angry at the systemic racism still pervasive in our society. I’m furious at leadership that fails to guide us through these turbulent times. I’m enraged by a president who resorts to tear gas for a photo op. I’m frustrated by those who prioritize partying over public health amid a pandemic. When I don’t have a healthy outlet for my anger, it spills over into my interactions with my kids over trivial matters.
So, my advice is to channel that anger productively. Seek out local organizations to support. Educate yourself on white privilege and the history of racism in the United States. Consider reading Stamped or A Kids Book About Racism with your children, and engage them in discussions about what you’ve learned. Support diverse authors by purchasing books for your school library. Participate in local protests, contribute to bail funds for arrested protesters, or even donate water to those protesting. You could also join local chapters of organizations like Black Lives Matter or Standing Up For Racial Justice and explore volunteer opportunities. Starting a virtual prayer vigil could also be a way to mobilize your community. For more information on ways to get involved, visit this resource.
Remember to take care of yourself in the process. Activism is demanding work and requires endurance. Step back from activities that drain you, and focus on pursuits that ignite your passion. If scrolling through social media makes you feel more enraged, take a break. Consider checking the news once or twice a day instead of being glued to it constantly. Prioritize those things that uplift you rather than deplete your energy.
Above all, don’t feel guilty about your anger or try to suppress it. Your anger is justified. Let it motivate you to create change and contribute positively to the world around you. For those seeking more information on pregnancy and the home insemination process, check out this excellent resource. And for more on artificial insemination kits, visit this authority on the topic.
Summary:
This article explores the valid feelings of anger and frustration in response to social issues, including police brutality and the COVID-19 pandemic. It encourages readers to channel their emotions into constructive actions, such as educating themselves about systemic racism and supporting local organizations. It emphasizes the importance of self-care and finding productive outlets for anger while recognizing the legitimacy of such feelings.