Just Another Mad Girl
DISCLAIMER: This article is written with references to Westernized society. This article does not intend to exclude anyone who does not identify as a ‘man’ or ‘woman.’ It is an attempt to potentially provide an understanding of problems surrounding women aligned with feelings of anger, thus written from that perspective.
The "Mad Woman" trope has been a parasite attached to women in mainstream media for a very long time. This trope has followed women beyond everyday life, into a notion that has perpetrated modern media, feminist movements, and politics. There is an ugly history of villainizing women; a popularized narrative in western society that depicts women as crazed, bold, and irrational in their emotions- leading to the characterization of the 'mad woman.' But with the roles and definitions that encompass women and femininity changing, moving from a place of vilification, the mad woman trope is being reclaimed as a title of validation.
The media, a reflection of our society, is a revolving door for manufacturing tropes and biases regarding those who present as a woman. In the media there is commonly the ‘damsel in distress,’ ‘the screaming women,’ ‘the angry women,’ trope etc. Why do these tropes matter? With a population that continuously and eagerly consumes media, the tropes and biases portrayed in the media have the power to be accepted and even praised by the audience. For example, when the audience sees ‘the screaming women,’ often in horror movies, the character is depicted as less rational in thoughts and feelings, and sometimes just plain dumb. The result is a generalization that constricts women into a box of misogynistic characteristics.
The "angry woman” is often characterized by a response that is a result of justifiable frustration, but invalidated by her counterparts. When a woman expressed anger, a character might ask coincidentally, “Whoa, is it shark week or something?” Another common remark is, “You’re just emotional because you’re on your period." Those who experience menstruation might recognize these phrases or think of one’s similar. These comments may have come from friends, family, acquaintances, strangers, and more times than not, the media. Derived from a condescending statement or question, a woman is told that her expressed feelings are not valid. The feelings are credited to a hormone related reason, not because there is some type of rationalization for the expressed emotions. Women are dismissed to constraints where they are required to hold in emotion rather than express it. Or if anger is expressed, they are made to feel as if it is ‘unnecessary’ and often time told to just “calm down.”
Through mass media we are fed ideals and images of how men and women are supposed to perform in society, playing a major role in gender socialization. Men are socialized by the notion that they must dominate to be manly, while women learn what femininity is from gendered stereotypes. Society tends to accept anger as a rational response from men, but never from women. Therefore, we find that if a young girl watches female idols hide and suppress their anger, control their words and their actions based on others’ emotions etc, then the young women’s brain codes it accordingly. Perceptions are reinforced by the media world that caters to the patriarchal society.
But there are forms in which feminism is shattering the binds of misogynistic tropes and ideas; music has long been a vessel for social movements such as feminism. Issues such as rape, patriarchy, and female empowerment have been expressed through popular songs. Derogatory words often used to shame women were reclaimed, and then in turn used in validation. When Fiona Apple sang, "kick me under the table all you want/I won’t shut up,” the expressed bitterness and bluntness provided allure. Perhaps it is the validation that despite the dismissal, I will continue to speak about what I am passionate about that makes the song one that has blazed the path for feminists.
When Taylor Swift said: “And there’s nothing like a madwoman/ what a shame she went mad/No one likes a mad woman/you made her like that.” Again, we are reminded there are reasons behind the madness. It is reinforced by society that a woman’s madness is not something that is ‘approved’ but rather something that will hinder them socially. In an age of perception, one usually does not set out to commit an action that may cause others to dislike them. The idea that if you repress your anger, you will be more likeable is reinforced.
We find a common pattern in media where powerful male individuals such as Harvey Weinstein and Chris Brown, were and are successful and thriving in their careers despite multiple, proven allegations. Contrastly, a woman such as Mia Sorvino was blacklisted after making sexual misconduct claims against Harvey Weinstein. We see in society, amongst powerful men, that immoral actions do not terminate authority. These men have massive control in the media world, which impacts the media we consume. The double standards are blatantly clear, yet the cycle repeats itself.
The casual, constant, and consistent dismissal of female experience has led to public outcry in movements such as: #freethenipple and #MeToo. The movement against sexual violence allowed and provided a space for more victims to come out against their perpetrators. Platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook allowed for fast spreading information. With these examples, mass media has the potential and foundation to do beneficial things–if utilized correctly.
Sometimes I cannot help but ask: Does the world just hate women? From abortion bans, the pink tax, patriarchy, etc. the constant constraints women face is overwhelming. The list can go on until the ink runs dry, and I am very angry about it. But this anger is not inherently a bad thing: There is no reason not to be mad. Find catharsis in anger. I choose to question the people in power, question the media I consume, and do not hesitate to explore doubt. I will not cower if someone dismisses me. I actively chose to continue to educate and fight for what I believe in, and if that makes me just another mad girl, so be it.
Image Credits
Creative Director: Martha Hillen
Creative Assistant: Chanel Romeo
Photography: Ashley Cowie
Hair and Makeup: Lalique Allan
Model: Juliette Vaillancourt
