Written by: Kammy Robb
From damsels in distress to awe-inspiring superheroes, the female characters of fantasy and fiction are more prominent and powerful than ever before – as they upload into our imaginations with increasing access and speed. The result is the expansion of a feminine ideation that reaches beyond current norms, and among these concepts is a new trend emerging — the rise of female villains.
Not only are women no longer depicted as helpless victims, but rather as the masterminds behind some of the most sinister plots. This shift in the way females are portrayed in popular media is being coined as a new “villain era” for women. So what does that mean? It is the rejection of societal rules and expectations pertaining to how females should behave, and choosing instead to embrace their authentic selves, flaws and all. This transformation is often accompanied by a sense of confidence and self-awareness; a willingness to push beyond boundaries and challenge the status quo. While some may view this trend as negative, it is actually a positive step towards gender equality and empowerment.
Historically, women have been expected to conform to a narrow set of lifestyles and behaviors, often at the expense of their own ambition and desires. Their personal character should be demure, polite, and obedient while putting the needs of others before their own. Any deviation from this prescribed role is often met with punishment, whether it be social ostracism or physical violence. It means the suppression of their natural instincts and desires, leading to a sense of frustration, resentment, and finally anger. However, in recent years, we have seen a shift from this narrative. Women are no longer content with being relegated to the sidelines, and are instead taking center stage, unapologetically owning their flaws and embracing their “villain” status. Iterations of such attitudes can now be seen embodied in the antiheroes of our current media in characters such as Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones and Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad. These personalities are intricate, flawed, and multifaceted, challenging traditional notions of femininity and morality.
One reason these images and stories are so consequential is because they stimulate viewers to imagine themselves breaking free from the confines of traditional gender roles and discovering and embracing their true selves without fear of judgment or punishment. It also allows them to redefine what it means to be a “good” woman and reject the perception that being submissive and compliant is the only way to be accepted and valued in society. Additionally, the rise of the “villainous” woman challenges the notion that they must always be likable, agreeable, and easy to get along with. Females have long been held to a different standard than males when it comes to behavior and personality traits to be deemed acceptable by society. By embracing their “villainous” side, women are rejecting this double standard and asserting their right to be complex, multidimensional beings who are not beholden to anyone else’s presumptions.
Of course, it is important to note that this trend does not mean women should embrace harmful or destructive behavior, or that they should eschew empathy and compassion altogether. Rather, it is about disregarding the belief that women must always be “good” and “pure,” and instead allowing oneself to be fully human, with all the messiness and imperfection that entails. It is time to celebrate this trend – encourage all women to accept their inner villains, and to live life on their own terms.
