a perceived threat , and the amygdala is the part of the brain to deal with these threats . This anger may build up and eventually lead to hatred , because either the threat isn ’ t being resolved , or there is no reward received for this behavior . Therefore , an individual may rely on revenge in order to rid themselves of the frustration they are feeling .
Sigmund Freud popularized the notion of catharsis , which is the process of releasing , and getting relief from , strong or repressed emotions , which “ often takes the form of ‘ releasing ’ anger through aggressive acts ( Chester ).” This notion has become normalized , making aggression a “ viable means to replace negative affect with positive affect , which fuels aggressive behavior ,” ( Chester ). Because of this normalcy , aggression and acting upon negative emotions has become a way to improve mood , which makes them feel less angry and frustrated . In the case of Swift , writing this song about revenge was her outlet for letting out her negative aggression and frustration , and being able to release a song about Belle and trashing her was her “ reward ” for lashing out .
Lines that stick out in the song are those such as “ She ’ s an actress / She ’ s better known for the things that she does / On the mattress .” Swift attacks and demonizes Belle for her sexual reputation , and it has even been said that Swift “ slut-shames ” her for being with her ex ( Leszkiewicz ), which has proved to be problematic within social commentary once feminism became a more popular idea in modern times . Swift has received much backlash , both from Belle and from listeners of the song . However , Swift probably received more satisfaction from being able to release the song and have her audience hear about the situation , which overshadowed the negative response from it . This can be assumed from the chorus ’ s final hook , “ She should keep in mind / There is nothing I do better than revenge .” The title “ Better Than Revenge ” also denotes a double meaning that references the songwriting process itself ; not even revenge is better than writing a song about the person who wronged you .
Swift wrote this song in order to prove a point to her audience , and to her ex . Often times , when a woman is treated poorly in a relationship , they are blamed or criticized for being the problem , while men get away with things like cheating and going from woman to woman . Conversely , if a woman were to do these activities , they would be criticized for being a “ hoe ” or “ slut ,” automatically putting them in the wrong . By writing and releasing this song about her relationship and the situation that arose from it , she was able to comment on this problem in society in a constructive manner that clearly got her point across , while still getting the “ satisfaction ” of being rewarded by getting revenge on the people that evoked her aggression and anger . While revenge may be portrayed a negative and destructive action towards others , it is a way to deal with the frustration and anger that one may feel , while getting satisfaction out of it and ultimately ridding oneself of the negative aggression . Whether this is effective or not is up to the avenger .
7