What is Feminine Rage?
Judith Slaying Holofernes c. 1620, Artemisia Gentileschi
“A society that does not respect women's anger is one that does not respect women; not as human beings, thinkers, knowers, active participants, or citizens.” ― Soraya Chemaly
Every March, in honor of Women’s History Month, we dedicate an entire series (called March Madness) to the theme of Feminine Rage. But why does this subject hold such importance for us? What is it about women’s anger that demands not just acknowledgment but a month-long exploration?
For centuries, women’s anger has been silenced, dismissed, or labeled as unbecoming. Feminine rage is not just a concept; it’s an experience that millions of women feel deeply yet rarely express openly. But what exactly is feminine rage? Is it just anger with lipstick on, or is it something more profound?
Let’s unpack the term and the cultural weight it carries.
The Roots of Feminine Rage
Feminine rage is often born out of systemic injustice, personal betrayal, societal expectations, and centuries of repression. It’s the simmering anger women feel when they’re interrupted in meetings, underpaid for their labor, or subjected to unfair beauty standards. It’s the internal fury that comes when boundaries are crossed, safety is threatened, or voices are ignored.
Unlike anger, which is seen as a raw and universal emotion, feminine rage is uniquely shaped by the intersection of gender and power dynamics. It’s the anger of being taught to smile through pain, to stay quiet to keep the peace, to be small when you’re meant to take up space.
Feminine Rage in History
History is filled with examples of feminine rage fueling change. From the suffragettes who chained themselves to railings to protest their lack of voting rights, to women like Rosa Parks and Malala Yousafzai, who refused to sit quietly in the face of injustice, feminine rage has often been a catalyst for progress.
In the arts, feminine rage has inspired groundbreaking works. Sylvia Plath’s poetry, Frida Kahlo’s paintings, and “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman all explore the ways women’s anger can be both destructive and transformative.
Feminine Rage in Pop Culture
Today, feminine rage is having a moment in pop culture. From the searing revenge plots of films like Promising Young Woman and Gone Girl to the raw anger explored in music by artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish, women’s anger is no longer being tucked away. It’s loud, it’s messy, and it’s resonating.
Shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and Yellowjackets take feminine rage to the next level, portraying women who are done playing nice. They are angry at the systems that have failed them, at the men who have hurt them, and sometimes at each other. These portrayals offer a cathartic release for audiences who recognize their own frustrations in these characters.
Why Feminine Rage Matters
Feminine rage isn’t just about anger; it’s about power. It’s about reclaiming a voice that’s been taken away, demanding justice, and challenging the status quo. When women’s rage is dismissed as hysteria, being “too emotional” or “overly dramatic”, it’s a way of stripping that anger of its legitimacy. Recognizing and validating feminine rage is an act of defiance against a world that often demands women’s compliance.
This anger, when harnessed, can be a force for incredible change. Feminine rage has led to movements like #MeToo, where survivors of assault came together to demand accountability. It has driven campaigns for equal pay, reproductive rights, and climate justice. It’s not just about feeling angry; it’s about doing something with that anger.
How to Embrace Your Feminine Rage
Acknowledge It: The first step is to admit that you’re angry. Suppressing anger doesn’t make it go away—it just manifests in other ways, like stress or burnout. Don’t treat it like an ugly emotion, it’s not. It is a powerful force within yourself that has generations of collective trauma attached to it.
Channel It: Use your rage as a motivator. Whether it’s advocating for change in your workplace, volunteering for a cause, or creating art, let your anger fuel your actions. Some of the best works of art ever created come from women during their most overwhelming moments of rage.
Talk About It: Share your feelings with others. Feminine rage thrives when it’s validated and supported by the community. You will be surprised how many women share your anger. I love this poem from Elana Dykewomon, “Almost every woman I have ever met has a secret belief that she is just on the edge of madness, that there is some deep, crazy part within her, that she must be on guard constantly against ‘losing control’— of her temper, of her appetite, of her sexuality, of her feelings, of her ambition, of her secret fantasies, of her mind.”
Find Role Models: Look to women who have turned their anger into impact. Their stories can inspire and guide you. From activists, politicians, athletes, artists, and musicians, there are women in every sphere who are embracing their rage.
Embrace Your Feminine Rage
Feminine rage is not something to fear or suppress. It’s a powerful emotion that, when embraced, can lead to profound personal and societal transformation. By recognizing and validating this anger, we can begin to dismantle the systems that provoke it and build a world where women’s voices are heard and their anger is respected.
