Female Rage in the Media, Have Women and Girls Had Enough?
Juliana Madriñán
August 31, 2024
In a recent wave of films and music, female characters and artists are unapologetically embracing their anger. From Mia Goth's intense performance in Pearl to Olivia Rodrigo's anthemic songs about heartbreak, these portrayals are resonating with audiences and sparking a conversation about female rage.
The #FemaleRage movement has gained significant momentum online and beyond, with women using social media as a springboard to share their personal experiences, connect with others who feel similarly, and challenge societal expectations that have long dictated how women should express their emotions (as seen in the BBC Culture article, "Female Rage: The Brutal New Icons of Film and TV"). This online community has become a powerful platform for expressing frustration and advocating for change.
Many women find it empowering to see other women expressing their anger on screen. Actress Florence Pugh attracted viewers with her portrayal of Don’t Worry Darling’s Alice Chambers, who discovers that her life is controlled by her husband in a false reality. In her portrayal, Pugh lets go of suppressed emotions and expresses her frustration with true intensity. This trend isn't exclusive to movies, however. Musicians like Paris Paloma are weaving stories of simmering female anger into their songs.
Watching someone's justified rage play out on screen resonates powerfully with women, who have spent years bottling up their frustrations to conform to societal expectations. It's a reminder that anger is a normal emotion that all humans experience and therefore should be allowed to express without judgment.
Unfortunately, while some might cheer on a woman for taking control and showing her power, others—especially some men—might see her anger as out of control or hysterical. There's a double standard here: male anger connotes strength and assertiveness whereas female anger is often misunderstood as dramatic.
It's important to acknowledge that while the portrayal of female anger in popular culture can be empowering, it's essential to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or promoting unhealthy expressions of anger. While the #FemaleRage movement has been instrumental in challenging societal expectations, it's also crucial to recognize that excessive or uncontrolled anger can have negative consequences.
One potential concern is the romanticization of physical conflict or violence in some portrayals of female anger. While it's important to acknowledge that women may sometimes need to defend themselves, glorifying physical violence can be harmful, particularly for young viewers. Additionally, there is a risk of promoting emotional abuse if rage is portrayed as a healthy way to express frustration in all situations. It's essential to distinguish between expressing anger constructively and using it to manipulate or control others.
Despite these potential risks, the benefits of showcasing female anger in popular culture often outweigh the drawbacks. By validating women's emotions and challenging societal expectations, these portrayals can empower individuals to express their anger in healthy and productive ways. Moreover, they can inspire positive social change by motivating people to stand up for what they believe in and fight for a more just and equitable society.