Are bad women truly bad? Or is the act of labeling them “evil” a way of containing female power and empowerment?

“The witch is the pop-culture heroine we need right now,” said Vulture in regards to contemporary American politics. Comedy Central’s “Broad City” devoted an episode to celebrating the elemental power of witchy women, while standout characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe like GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY’s Nebula and THOR: RAGNAROK’s Hela are presented with unprecedented and nuanced motivation behind their villainous rage. Are bad women truly bad? Or is the act of labeling them “evil” a way of containing female power and empowerment? What drives female rage? Redemption? What makes her monstrous? Can supervillainesses be just as revolutionary as their more “heroic” sisters? Are they more subversive? How can we identify with them? Draw from their, perhaps, darker traits? In this three night class we’ll explore these questions and more!