The Rise of a Viral Meme: Women, Anger, and Autoimmune Disease
A recent viral message on social media has sparked a wave of discussion, with some claiming that “you really need to be a bitch or you’re going to develop an autoimmune disease. It’s that simple.” This statement, while scientifically questionable, has gained traction across platforms like TikTok and Threads, with thousands of likes and shares. Some versions of the message are set to music, while others lead to serious conversations about stress, cortisol, and inflammation. Others take on a more evangelical tone, with individuals sharing personal stories of healing through assertiveness.
One woman claims that “being a bitch healed my autoimmune disease,” suggesting that adopting a more assertive approach helped her recover. Another talks about how being the “love and light spiritual girlie” might be the reason for depression and digestive issues. A Substack post even discusses breaking the “good girl contract,” highlighting how setting boundaries and protecting one’s well-being can allow the body’s natural healing mechanisms to function better.
As a woman with alopecia, an autoimmune condition, I find this idea resonates on a deeply emotional level. My hair loss occurred during a period when I was trying to meet everyone’s expectations, struggling to balance conflicting demands. However, I also recognize that this concept is overly simplistic and lacks scientific backing. The idea that all women need to be “bitches” to avoid illness is a wild generalization. It’s also not accurate, and I would hate to upset the community of immunologists who spend their lives studying these conditions.
The Reality Behind the Meme
What is true is that women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases. In the United States, four out of every five people diagnosed with an autoimmune condition are female. This makes women particularly interested in understanding the causes and potential triggers of chronic illness. Stress and autoimmune disease are often linked, with research showing that stress-related disorders can increase the risk of developing an autoimmune condition. A 2018 study found that clinical diagnoses of stress-related disorders were significantly associated with a higher risk of autoimmune disease. Another study from 2020 revealed that individuals with PTSD are 58% more likely to have some form of autoimmune condition.
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, the idea that women are making themselves sick by being too nice continues to resonate. This sentiment has been present since the earliest days of feminism, but it seems to be gaining momentum in recent years. The rise of movements like the Korean 4B movement, which rejects traditional roles such as motherhood and marriage, highlights a growing dissatisfaction among women. Economic data also shows a decline in women’s happiness over the past two decades, leading some to make bold decisions, such as only dating women.
The Broader Context of Women’s Frustration
There is a deep sense of frustration and anger among women regarding systemic issues. From the exploitation of the manosphere to the ongoing violence against women and girls, there is a growing awareness of the challenges women face. Many feel that the emotional and domestic load still falls disproportionately on them, and that their pain is often dismissed by the medical system. These issues have contributed to a collective sense of exhaustion and resentment.
The viral tweet from journalist Erin Keane in 2018, which stated, “Every woman I know has been storing anger for years in her body,” captures this sentiment. While the metaphor of bees pouring out of mouths may be exaggerated, it reflects a real feeling of built-up frustration. This anger, while not directly causing illness, can contribute to stress, which in turn may impact overall health.
Conclusion
While the idea that being a “bitch” prevents autoimmune disease is not supported by science, it does highlight a broader conversation about the pressures women face. The desire to be nice, to say yes, and to smooth over conflicts has long been a part of social conditioning. However, this approach may come at a cost. As society continues to grapple with gender inequality and systemic issues, it’s important to acknowledge the emotional and physical toll it takes on women.
