eelhound:

ratanarchist:

is anyone else just like. constantly filled with rage about their position under late capitalism and how we are expected to just keep playing this game that we know will literally kill us, is already killing people all over the world, and yet everyone around us is somehow fine with going about business as usual, with pretending we are free by being able to choose between different ways of being exploited. there is nothing more dehumanising than being forced to partake in a system that is actively detrimental to our survival as human beings, that is so physically, psychologically and spiritually destructive, and i don’t know how to deal with this anger anymore

May I suggest that this is a perfectly logical reaction? “For with much wisdom is much sorrow; as knowledge increases, grief increases” (Ecclesiastes 1:18). Once we learn how our society really works under capitalism, we can’t unlearn it. We feel what it’s like being part of a system that prizes profit above our own well being; we don’t have to bury those feelings. We see how other people like us suffer under capitalism; we don’t have to try to unsee those images.

Anger is an understandable response to feeling trapped in an impossible situation. It’s also a fundamentally moral response. As human beings, we want to do the right thing. But if we don’t know how, we can get angry, frustrated, or dejected. Doing the right thing in a given situation can depend on how much we know beforehand.

For example, until literally yesterday, I really enjoyed Chipotle burritos. I have the metabolism of a ravenous black hole whose appetite warps space and time?? And one (or two) of those burritos hits the spot. But I don’t think I may ever go back to Chipotle because I read an article talking about how routinely they abuse their workers’ labor rights, pulling shit like constantly changing employee schedules with little to no advanced notice, refusing to close stores for cleaning during COVID-19, and not allowing exposed employees to quarantine.

I was only able to enjoy going to Chipotle because I didn’t know that the conditions that made my experience enjoyable depended on other people suffering. Having learned this, what do I do now? Specifically, to address OP’s concern, what do I do with this anger that wasn’t here yesterday?

Well, speaking for myself, I first acknowledge what I’m feeling. I secure my own oxygen mask before helping my neighbor, so to speak, and I pay attention to the fact that I’m feeling angry. This emotion is physically registering in my body in a particular way. Right now, the muscles around my forehead and upper body are tense. Seeing this, I can direct my attention to the breath.

This exercise helps me:

Set a timer for one minute. Take a breath in and mentally say out-loud “one.” Breathe out and count “two.” Breathe in, count “three.” Breathe out, count “four.” Continue until you reach “ten” then start over at “one.” Do this until the timer goes off.

While paying attention to the breath, it’s extremely normal to get distracted by a thought or a feeling and lose count. This is ok! The important thing is to notice that you’ve lost count. When this happens, I return to “one” and keep counting. 

Breathing in, breathing out, I allow myself to feel angry, noticing at the same time that the physical intensity is slowly fading. The same is true for whatever thoughts I have. Wherever they came from and wherever they’re going, angry thoughts are just another kind of passing cloud in the mind. Not holding onto them, not deliberately adding to them, I can let them go and just watch what they do until they also fade away.

Second, having grounded myself, I need to change my life. Which sounds a bit dramatic, but (on a philosophical level) it’s true. The moral dimensions of my universe have changed, because I’ve changed. I’ve learned something new, and I can’t go back. Chipotle is off the menu. How, then, should I live? This may not be true for everyone, but I’m certain I can cook more at home or pack something in advance. It’ll be cheaper, too. Socially, I know I’ll be reading more books and articles by people who speak out against capitalism and propose compelling alternatives from democratic socialism. I’ll be supporting legislators, like those in New York state, who investigate and punish companies who violate worker rights laws. And if there’s a union or a protest in my area that speaks to the issues I care about, maybe I’ll take part.

Capitalism isn’t going to die overnight. But the richest people who benefit from the system know they’re on borrowed time. Look no further than the flurry of voter suppression measures in Florida and Texas.

To those who are angry about the injustices of society and want a more compassionate and equitable future for the world, you are seen and loved. Take care of yourself and your neighbors as you continue to learn and take part in changing the course of humanity.