Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women's Anger by Rebecca Traister

Summary

In 'Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women's Anger', Rebecca Traister explores the transformative force of women's anger throughout American history. She investigates how anger has been both a catalyst for women’s movements and a source of backlash, delving into both historical incidents and the recent surge of activism post-2016. Traister interrogates the societal standards that demonize women’s rage and argues that acknowledging and channeling this emotion can be a powerful driver for social and political change.

Life-Changing Lessons

1. Women’s anger, often socially stigmatized, is a legitimate and essential reaction to injustice and can catalyze meaningful change when collectively harnessed.

2. Solidarity among women, especially across lines of race and class, amplifies the power of anger and resistance.

3. Owning and expressing anger rather than suppressing it is vital for individual empowerment and building a more equitable society.

Publishing year and rating

The book was published in: 2018

AI Rating (from 0 to 100): 92

Practical Examples

1. Women's anger in the 2016 presidential election

   Traister describes how the election of Donald Trump, despite his overt misogyny, fueled widespread outrage among women. This anger culminated in the Women's March on Washington, where millions of women across the globe marched in protest. The event demonstrated how shared anger can unite and mobilize people for collective action.

2. Monica Lewinsky and public shaming

   The book reviews the public shaming faced by Monica Lewinsky, highlighting how women’s anger is often pathologized or dismissed. Traister reflects on how, over time, Lewinsky reclaimed her narrative, showing the empowering possibilities when women voice their rage despite societal backlash.

3. The #MeToo movement

   Traister analyzes the #MeToo movement, fueled by the shared anger of women against sexual harassment and abuse. She details how this collective fury sparked vital conversations and led to real consequences for some perpetrators, underscoring the political potential of women's anger.

4. Intersectionality and anger among women of color

   Traister brings forth voices of women of color who have historically faced silencing for expressing anger. She points to activists like Shirley Chisholm and Audre Lorde, whose righteous anger challenged both racism and sexism, illustrating the necessity of intersectionality in feminist struggles.

5. Anger as a motivator for political candidacy

   Traister discusses women who were driven by anger at the political status quo to run for office, including stories from the 2018 midterms. The book describes how women’s outrage at policies threatening reproductive rights and equity inspired unprecedented numbers of female candidates.

6. Media framing of 'angry women'

   The book critiques how mainstream media frequently frames angry women as irrational or dangerous. Traister provides examples from television and news coverage, emphasizing how negative portrayals are meant to discourage women from expressing dissatisfaction.

7. Historical movements – suffrage and civil rights

   Traister revisits moments in the suffrage and civil rights movements where women’s anger was pivotal. She covers figures like Sojourner Truth and Alice Paul, who channeled their anger into activism that shifted national attitudes and laws.