Anger and Hope

Abstract

This essay deals with two concepts that are central to Paulo Freire’s work: anger and hope. He juxtaposes them with the equally eschatological concepts of “denúncia” and “anúncio”. The former, indictment, is interpreted as the result of studying an oppressive environment—a productive expression of anger. The latter, the hope for a different kind of world, gives Freire a confidence rooted in his Christian faith in the potential for a human- centred approach to education and society. The author begins his exegesis of this topic by presenting materials that may reconcile anger and hope, cracks in the education system make appear possibilities for resistance. The essay concludes with normative guidelines for a more liberated approach to education in our society.