Anger

Anger is a feeling of displeasure. Traditionally, women have been told that they cannot feel or express anger.

Benefits of Anger
Brittany Cooper notes that, "the clarity that comes from rage should also tell us what kind of world we want to see, not just what kind of things we want to get rid of.”

Anger can be crucial in identifying injustice, and proponents of the use of anger in the political process recognize its power as a galvanizing force.

Further, with groups such as women who have traditionally been excluded from feeling anger, anger can be a tool to challenge hierarchy and power. Notes Suzanna Danuta Walters: "The world has little place for feminist anger. Women are supposed to support, not condemn, offer succor not dismissal."

It is important to note that some groups of women have traditionally been excluded from feeling anger more than others. Black women expressing emotion have been ignored or punished, while white women expressing anger or sadness have been seen as victims.

Dangers of Anger
There is some concern that anger can be "blinding" and unproductive. These individuals believe it can "lead to bad decisions and endanger the well-being of individuals and collectives," fueling hatred.

Martha Nussbaum argues that "anger is a poison to democratic politics, and it is all the worse when fueled by lurking fear and sense of helplessness."

Critics of the use of anger in the political process argue that it is ineffective and serves to divide people even more.