Nations think nothing of directing their rage at women, particularly non-compliant women. This is because they still think they own them. Recently that rage was directed at Grace Tame, a young activist and 2021 Australian of the Year, for failing to perform the required etiquette around the hallowed presence of power, the Australian prime minister. As is often the case with women, the nation and the government both misunderstood Tame’s moment and how it symbolises women’s state of rage right now.
When the Australian government resumes parliamentary sittings this week, it will find itself in a stand-off with Australian women. It has already been in this impasse for some time, and as it has with almost every social issue, it lurches from disorientation to impetuousness to performative compliancy and then back to its signature approach to women: belligerence.
