We Should Be Angry

If you're not angry, you're not paying attention. But beware politicians and grifters who are more interested in cashing in on your anger than making a better world for all of us.

That is one…angry bird. Source: Unsplash. Author: David Knox.

If contemporary social norms have taught me anything, it’s that we’re meant to be ourselves. You can’t possibly count the number of books, films, movements, slogans, and bits of psychological wisdom that counsel you to “be true to yourself.” And yet, anger often seems to be exempted from the category of legitimate self-expression, as if you can, indeed, be anything you want to be, but my god you’d best be cheerful about it!

In late July, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took aim at Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, saying “His answer to everything is cuts and be angry.” Trudeau added “That’s where the anger that he is drumming up is dangerous for Canadians, who would much rather work hard and build a strong future than throw up their hands and say, ‘Oh, it’s all terrible, it’s all broken, let’s all stay home.’ No. That's not who Canadians are.’”

I am not inclined to defend Poilievre. I certainly don’t wish to see a government run by him. Poilievre would be a disaster for Canada — austerity, weak to no climate action, ramped-up culture wars, lost time that’s desperately needed to build a democracy and economy supported by robust and maximally-inclusive social programs. Pierre Poilievre? Non, merci! But he’s right about something: people should be angry.