Over the last few years, the femme fatale movement has been leaving its impact on Gen Z women, especially as it appeals to their desire of feeling empowered in society. Nevertheless, in what way does the movement empower and strengthen women? How does the use of manipulation and control fit into the narrative of the femme fatale and what implications could it create?
What is a Femme Fatale?
A femme fatale, also known as a maneater or vamp, is described by many as a woman who uses her assets of “femininity,” such as her charisma, intelligence, and sexual attractiveness, to control people, especially men. It’s a woman that provides for herself and focuses solely on her own personal gain, no matter the cost. According to most sources, the femme fatale concept focuses on the use of “hidden meanings” and on the woman getting whatever she wants because of specific traits that differentiate her from the rest of the characters. These traits, which involve manipulation, control, seduction, among other qualities, are all known as “dark psychology” traits.
What is Dark Psychology?
Dark psychology is classified as “the art and science of manipulation and mind control.” A person’s intention when using these tactics is what truly makes it “dark.” These are mostly used for personal gain and need. To recognize someone’s weakness, the person uses empathy wisely while being aware of their own vulnerabilities. It is important to note that this concept is controversial for being problematic, as it contributes to ethical issues and concerns regarding how people treat each other.
How does it connect with the femme fatale concept?
Seemingly, dark psychology plays an important role in the femme fatale.There are many videos on social media that provide examples of these tactics. For example, on TikTok, there are promotions of books that speak of the dark psychology in the femme fatale, and how people who know how to utilize their assets have a powerful advantage.
The femme fatale movement is characterized by its portrayal of empowered women wielding charm and manipulation against the world, leveraging their femininity and intelligence to navigate a society shaped by power dynamics led by the patriarchy. Certainly, since it became popularized in the 1930s, its main point was for women to gain control back from men, to eventually take back or regain power from the assets that actively prevented them from growing as people. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge the ethical implications inherent in the use of dark psychology tactics, as they often involve manipulation for personal gain, and could potentially lead to harmful repercussions.
As the femme fatale movement continues to captivate audiences and influence pop culture, it’s essential to critically engage with its portrayal of power and manipulation. While embracing themes of empowerment and self-reliance, there should also be caution when it comes to particular concepts like these. By understanding these ideas carefully and encouraging ethical behavior in interpersonal interactions, we can navigate the complexity of power in the femme fatale.