Anger has its usefulness. Evans (2001) observed that although unlike our pre¬human ancestors we need not be fighting in anger for self protection, we still require grit and determination, and anger provides the internal motivation for them. Anger helps us to make positive changes, meet dead-lines, and fight injustices. People, who never get angry, never get ahead. Elsy was not able to deal constructively with the anger she experienced at the man harassing her; instead she hurt herself, damaging her self-esteem and making hasty and unwise decisions. When anger is destructive it can lead to serious problem for oneself and others.
There are cultural expectations regarding the experience and expression of anger by men and women (Lemerise & Dodge, 1993). Angry women receive more explicit condemnation, particularly in the family setting. Gender bias urges total suppression of anger in women, and men are urged to channel anger toward competition and righteous indignation. We are told by our parents and teachers that it is okay for boys to be angry and not okay for girls. When a boy shows excess anger he is excused because anger is "normal" for boys. But when a girl demonstrates excessive anger she is told that anger is not good for girls. Girls often resort to crying when they are angry -socially acceptable behavior for girls. Later on, as adults they find it difficult to express even their legitimate anger.