Roxane Gay, in her book "Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture," examines the complex emotions surrounding anger, particularly in women who have experienced trauma. She suggests that while anger can be seen as a response to deep hurt and inadequacy, it is often discouraged and suppressed in women. This suppression can stem from societal expectations or personal fears of vulnerability, leading women to mute their feelings rather than confront them.

Gay's quote emphasizes that while feeling anger is a natural reaction to being broken, many women do not permit themselves to experience this anger. This denial may reflect broader cultural stigmas surrounding women's emotions, where disappointment is often preferred over expressing rage. By recognizing and addressing this phenomenon, Gay invites a deeper understanding of trauma and the need for women to reclaim their right to feel and express anger constructively.