4 Ways To Channel Your Political Anger | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

4 Ways To Channel Your Political Anger

You're Angry? Now what?

46
4 Ways To Channel Your Political Anger
Public Intelligence

Yesterday, the House passed the American Health Care Act (AHCA). This was part of an attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. The bill was online for about 10 hours before it was passed. It was passed without a score from the Congressional Budget Office that would have given an estimate as to how much the AHCA would cost, and how many people it would affect.

How could you pass a bill without knowing how much it costs or what it will do to people currently covered under the ACA? Frankly, the House Republicans don’t seem to care because it doesn’t affect their ability to have health insurance. In fact, the bill exempts Congress and its staff from the effects of the bill. That is for complicated reasons better explained here, but it is infuriating nonetheless.

I learned all of this while filling out Excel sheets at work. I get news updates from my chosen sources constantly on my phone. This leads to a sense of dread when I see the little red newspaper icon. What could our government possibly be doing now?

I have been dreading this vote for a few days, knowing that something bad was sure to come out of it. My whole chosen profession is based around knowing what is happening pretty much at all times. My dilemma is, how do I stay informed without going insane?

Like any millennial with a problem, I googled it.

I found this great article about the misuse of political anger. It presented anger, not as a feeling, but as these four positive outcomes:

1. An opportunity to practice presence.

This tenet refers to acceptance. Not by giving up, but by facing what is happening head-on. We tend to get stuck in how situations are wrong or unfair, and we talk to our friends about how it’s wrong and unfair, and listen to media that says it’s wrong and unfair, and on and on.

My boyfriend said something really helpful to me the other day, “You can’t be angry, you have to be objective.” I am not going to get anywhere with anger alone. I have to be able to see the situation objectively and be able to explain why it is wrong, not just how it makes me feel.

2. A springboard.

Anger can also be a springboard. The catalyst that sets you in motion. Anger can not be the last step if you ever want anything to change. You know what you don’t want, but do you know what you want? Anger is an opportunity to turn your feelings into intentions, which then turns to action.

3. A reminder to take responsibility.

Anger is somewhat of an easy feeling. Especially political anger. You are right and someone else is wrong and whatever happened to make you angry is their fault. They are to blame.

I challenge you to look inward. Was there a way where you could have been more involved? More knowledgable? Are you doing anything to help the situation? I am certainly guilty of this. I have never called any of my representatives. That is one of the easiest ways to get politically involved. Here is a website to find your state representatives.

Call your congressperson or senator and explain to them why you are angry and how they are or are not representing your interests. Remind them that they represent you.

4. An opportunity to clean out the closet.

Finally, anger can help us evaluate our beliefs. We can self-reflect and see what it is about ourselves and our values that is affected by a situation. You get to decide whether it is truly a belief worth continuing or if you ever really believed it in the first place. As we grow, we are constantly changing. Anger might be a way to finally decide for ourselves what we believe and why.

So now the AHCA bill goes to the Senate. I am still angry, but now I know what to do about it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

16341
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7000
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5167
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4526
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments