Understanding Anger and Labels: A Reflection on a Stereotype

Societal Perceptions and Labels

It is disheartening to witness aspects of society that categorize individuals in ways that strip them of their inherent dignity. In environments such as the workplace, community, schools, and even places of worship, cliques often form based on shared dislikes and beliefs. These groups can influence others, shaping their views about life and people through a narrow lens. Frequently, they characterize behaviors based on their own perceptions without making an effort to understand the underlying reasons. Perception can be deceptive, as each individual's perspective on a situation is influenced by their distinct experiences, backgrounds, and level of comprehension.

Emotions, Anger, and Biblical Perspective

As emotional beings, we experience a range of feelings, but it is important not to let emotions dictate our actions. Anger is a universal emotion; everyone feels it, and many figures in the Bible—including Jesus—expressed anger. For example, in Exodus 32:19 (NIV), Moses became angry upon seeing the idol worship in the camp: “When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned, and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain.” This instance is often referred to as righteous anger, where the anger is justified by the circumstances. There are moments when anger arises from being treated unfairly, from false accusations, or from enduring or witnessing persistent wrongdoing. It is not about carrying resentment, but reaching a point where enough is enough—a sentiment captured humorously by the cartoon character Popeye: “That’s all I can stands, I can’t stands no more.”

Unlike Popeye, who famously relies on spinach to gain his strength and confront challenges, we approach our struggles in a distinctly different manner. We call upon the Holy Spirit, fully aware that we need divine wisdom and guidance to navigate the complexities of our lives. This recognition of our dependence on God is foundational to our faith. We understand that the battles we face in our daily lives ultimately belong to the Lord. In these moments of uncertainty and turmoil, we are reminded to "be still and know that He is God," as stated in Psalm 46:10. This powerful verse encourages us to pause, reflect, and trust in God's sovereignty, rather than resorting to our own understanding.

In many circumstances, this can be interpreted as to refrain from seeking revenge or retaliating against those who may have wronged us. There are indeed moments in life when exercising restraint and holding one’s peace is not only wise but also a testament to our faith. Choosing to remain silent can be a powerful act, demonstrating our trust in God’s justice and timing. Also, it is just as crucial to acknowledge that there are times when speaking out is essential for both correction and establishing the truth.

The wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 3:7 (The Voice) serves as a profound reminder that there is "... a time to be quiet, a time to speak up." This verse encapsulates the essence of wisdom in our communication. It encourages us to seek discernment from the Holy Spirit to know when to advocate for ourselves and others and when to exercise patience and silence. By aligning our responses with God's will and timing, we can firmly engage and respond in correction without compromising our faith.

Cultural expectations often play a significant role in shaping our responses, particularly for women, who may be socialized to prioritize silence over assertiveness. Yet, our faith provides us with the clarity needed to discern when it is appropriate to remain quiet and when we should speak with conviction and authority. This balance is crucial in navigating the complexities of interpersonal relationships and societal norms.

Jesus and Righteous Anger

The Bible provides several examples of Jesus expressing anger. One notable instance is found in Mark 3:5 (NIV), where it states: “He [Jesus] looked around at them in anger and deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.” In this passage, Jesus’ anger is a profound response to the stubbornness and lack of compassion displayed by those around him. His anger is rooted in a desire for healing and restoration, both for the man with the withered hand and for the hearts of those witnessing the miracle. Jesus, known as the healer, sought to demonstrate his power and compassion, yet he was met with resistance.

The man in the story had to overcome his own stubbornness to respond to Jesus’ command. This interaction showcases Jesus’ authority and conviction; he did not approach the situation with timidity but with firmness. His call for the man to stretch out his hand was not just a physical action but a directive to receive his healing power. It emphasizes the concept that divine intervention often requires human cooperation—God does his part, but individuals must also do their part.

Another significant instance occurs in John 2:15 (NIV), where it reads: “So he made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.” This moment in the temple is a striking demonstration of Jesus’ righteous anger. His actions were a deliberate and purposeful response to the commercialization and corruption occurring in a sacred space. The temple, a place of worship and prayer, had been turned into a marketplace, and Jesus’ anger served a corrective purpose, reminding the people of the sanctity of their worship and the need for reverence in God’s house. These moments illustrate that even Jesus, who was fully God and fully man, experienced and expressed anger, highlighting the importance of understanding the nature of anger itself. It is not inherently sinful; rather, it can be a powerful motivator for justice and correction when rooted in righteousness.

Parents may empathize with this concept, recalling times when their own anger was a response to a child's disobedience or wrongdoing. In such instances, the underlying motivation is often correction and guidance, rather than uncontrolled wrath or frustration. This parallel serves to illustrate that anger can be a tool for teaching and correcting inappropriate behavior when it is aligned with the desire for the well-being of others.

Distinguishing Anger from Wrath

Anger is a common human emotion, and many biblical figures experienced it. Ephesians 4:26 states, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Anger and wrath are not synonymous. Anger can be expressed through facial expressions, body language, or even aggressive behavior, but it is often manageable. Wrath, however, represents a more intense and uncontrollable form of anger, usually resulting in destructive actions. While anger can be controlled by coping mechanisms, wrath seeks revenge.

A Call to Rethink Labels

Society’s tendency to label can be damaging, especially when it comes to the notion of anger. If Jesus expressed anger, why is it considered unacceptable for others, particularly Black women, to do the same? Anger does not arise out of nowhere—it is often a response to mistreatment, misunderstanding or unfair treatment or when witnessing others being mistreated or exploited. Asking why someone is angry is a logical step toward understanding their experience.

The stereotype of the "Angry Black Woman" needs to be re-evaluated. Since anger is a natural and occasionally justified emotion, as depicted in both the Old and New Testaments, its expression should not be automatically criticized, particularly among Black or African-American women who encounter distinct challenges and injustices. Instead of judgment, there should be understanding and empathy, acknowledging that anger can be a suitable reaction to wrongdoing and a remedy for addressing inappropriate behavior.