We've all heard the narrative of the average black male or female in America — mad.
We're always mad; mad about our lives, mad about injustice, mad at each other, mad at the world. We're like ticking time bombs, equipped to ruin any social gathering, especially within mixed company. Even when we're not angry, we're accused of being so.
I suppose, judging from the statements above, you'll assume this is about to be a call for other fellow black men and women to not be angry all of a sudden and try to appease others around them.
But this ain't that kind of article.
This is an ode to all of my angry brothers and sisters out there who are indeed, mad; mad at our lives, mad about injustice, mad at each other, mad at the world. This is an ode to those who feel uncomfortable in the world around them, uneasy...weary. This is for those who are burnt out from fighting against a system set up for them, and for their children, to fail. This is for those tired black folk working two or three jobs, just to make ends meet paycheck-to-paycheck. This is for that one black face in a white space. This is for that loud, ghetto beauty feeling unheard as she attempts to map out her dreams to America.
YOU'RE ENTITLED TO EMOTION. You are allowed to be angry. When someone loses someone close to them, they are allowed time to grieve. When they are disappointed, they are allowed to be disheartened. When someone is betrayed, they are allowed to acknowledge that betrayal. When someone is depressed, they are allowed to ask for help. You do not owe the world an explanation. You do not owe the world an apology. When you see the subtle racism and blatant discrimination placed upon you and your people every day, at times you will feel resentment toward those around you who benefit from such a system. You are allowed to be angry at the direction of the country you live in. No, this is not a call to war. It's simply another call to acknowledge that frustration is not restricted from us. You may continue to pretend that we are equal. But in the same light, we are not given the opportunity to express emotion without crucifixion.
So you must take it.
