"Someone begging for their humanity to be acknowledged can sound an awful lot like rage"

When people are desperately trying to get others to see them as human, it can sometimes come across as anger. Imagine a person's frustration when they're constantly overlooked or misunderstood. You'd get pretty upset too, right?

Think about the civil rights movements. They weren't just about laws; they were about demanding recognition of basic human dignity. When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke, his words carried the weight of centuries of oppression. His speeches were filled with passion and urgency because he was begging for humanity to be acknowledged. To some, it might have sounded like rage. But it wasn't anger for anger's sake—it was the voice of a people who had been ignored for far too long.

Let's bring it closer to home. There's this guy, Alex, who works in your office. He's always the one speaking up about diversity and inclusion—and sometimes he gets a little heated. Some colleagues roll their eyes, thinking he's just trying to stir the pot. But the truth is, Alex has faced discrimination his whole life. His frustration comes from a place of deep pain and the hope that things can get better. He’s not just angry; he’s desperately seeking acknowledgment of his humanity.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by listening. Really listening. When someone seems angry about a fundamental issue like respect or recognition, don't dismiss their emotions. Ask yourself why they're feeling this way. What experiences have led them to this point? Try to understand the root of their frustration.

Here’s a story for you. Picture a small town where everyone knows each other. One day, a family from another country moves in. They speak with an accent, dress differently, and have unique customs. At first, the townsfolk are polite, but as time goes on, they start to make jokes and exclude the new family from community events. The oldest daughter, Maria, stands up at a town meeting one day and speaks out. Her voice shakes with emotion; she's on the verge of tears. Some people think she's overreacting, that she's angry for no reason. But what they don’t see is that Maria's been trying to fit in, to be seen as one of them, and it's been an uphill battle.

Her outburst isn’t just anger—it's a plea. A plea for the town to acknowledge her family’s humanity. To see them as people who have the same hopes, dreams, and fears. It's a cry for understanding and empathy.

So next time someone seems furious over something you might find trivial, take a step back. Think about Alex or Maria. Consider the possibility that what you’re hearing isn’t just anger. It’s a deep-seated need to be seen and acknowledged. Engage with empathy, not dismissal. Let's be honest, we all want to be recognized and valued for who we are. It's a human thing.

Isn't it worth a try? To listen, understand, and validate someone's experience? It could make all the difference.