After Dot, Lorraine Lyon is the character I couldn’t wait to see unfold in Fargo Season 5. Lorraine isn’t your typical “girl boss”—her success isn’t about flashy power moves or luck. Instead, it’s her sharp decision-making and thoughtful strategies that truly set her apart.
Lorraine shows us what it means to navigate a man’s world with just the right balance of empathy and respect, especially when it comes to men. Nothing more, nothing less.
In Fargo Season 5, Lorraine Lyon offers a powerful lesson on decentering men and reclaiming power in a world that often forces women into the background.
From a superficial perspective, Lorraine may seem like just another wealthy matriarch with strict class boundaries. But as the story unfolds, we witness a deeper character—one who knows how to tackle narcissists and chauvinists, beat the patriarchy, and come out on top.
Lorraine doesn’t play nice; she plays to win. And her journey gives us valuable insights on handling power dynamics, setting boundaries, and decentering men.
In this post, we’ll dive into what we can learn from Lorraine’s approach in handling men and the patriarchy, adding valuable insights to help you navigate decentering men in real life.
Here are some highlights from the series that show Lorraine decentering men.
No is a Complete Sentence
“No” is one of the most empowering words in any woman’s vocabulary, and Lorraine Lyon from Fargo Season 5 reminds us that it needs no justification.
The first thing that catches your eye when you see Lorraine’s office is the bold poster with a single, powerful word: “No.”
This word speaks volumes about Lorraine’s boundaries and her unapologetic approach to setting them.
In a world where women are often encouraged to soften their words or explain themselves, Lorraine’s straightforward “no” is revolutionary in decentering men.
For so many of us, “no” is rarely welcomed without pushback. Whether it’s in relationships, work, or even day-to-day decisions, a woman’s refusal often sparks negative reactions, making it tempting to add explanations or soften the impact.
But Lorraine’s sign stands as a reminder: a “no” doesn’t need extra words. It’s a boundary, a decision, and it deserves respect.
She’s the Main Character in Her Own Story
Lorraine Lyon knows her worth, and she makes sure everyone around her does too—she’s the main character in her life, not a supporting role for someone else’s story.
In Lorraine’s introductory scene in Fargo Season 5, she strides down the staircase with confidence, taking her time to make an entrance that commands attention.
When her attorney steps out of line, disrupting her moment, Lorraine doesn’t hesitate—she calmly, but firmly, sends him back up the stairs.
This small act might seem trivial, but it’s actually a powerful way of decentering men. Lorraine is asserting her space and refusing to let anyone, especially a man, diminish her presence.
For Lorraine, life isn’t about blending into the background or shrinking to accommodate others.
She’s a reminder that to truly “decenter” men, it starts by embracing your own energy and showing up with intention.
Her actions send a clear message: she’s here to be seen, heard, and respected, and she won’t let anyone steal her spotlight.
Lorraine’s unapologetic approach is a lesson for anyone who feels pressured to dim their light for others.
By setting boundaries around her own energy and presence, she sets the tone for how others should treat her.
Displaying Wealth, Power, and Confidence—Without Apologies
Lorraine Lyon is bold, unfiltered, and unafraid to flaunt her wealth and influence—and she challenges the idea that women should shrink themselves to fit others’ expectations.
Where many women are taught to play down their successes or connections, Lorraine does the opposite.
She showcases her wealth, connections, and confidence with the same energy a powerful man might use to assert his dominance.
Whether it’s posing with a gun in the family Christmas photo—an unapologetic display of strength and unity—or insisting on VIP treatment for her son in the hospital, Lorraine lives by her own rules. She understands her power and knows exactly how to use it.
Women often face criticism for openly sharing their accomplishments, facing labels like “arrogant” or “attention-seeking,” while men displaying similar behaviors are seen as assertive.
Lorraine breaks this double standard by unapologetically celebrating her achievements and influence. This is a way of decentering men by not concerning ourselves with their opinions.
Her example serves as a reminder that confidence isn’t something to hide—it’s a source of strength.
Here are a few resources on Why Women Should Celebrate Their Achievements Without Guilt:
https://www.theunveiledway.com/unveiled-blog/purpose-driven-woman-guide-celebrating-wins-1
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-executive-women-dont-share-wins-shelita-winfield-duke-
Calling out men’s nonsense right to their faces
Lorraine Lyon is fearless when it comes to calling out men’s nonsense—no people-pleasing, no sugarcoating, just the truth.
Lorraine embodies directness, and she’s refreshingly unafraid to speak the truth as she sees it. This is a very effective way of decentering men.
Lorraine confronts Roy’s childish attitude, telling him that only a baby gets freedom without responsibility.
This level of honesty shows she doesn’t balance her words to cater to male egos or engage in people-pleasing—she holds men accountable to the same standards as everyone else.
Throughout the series, Fargo takes a raw look at the “man-child.”
For instance, there’s the police deputy Indira’s husband, who doesn’t contribute in any way to the household but still expects a “wife.”
Roy Tillman represents another form of the man-child—someone who insists on doing whatever he wants without being held accountable. As Lorraine put it:
“You are fighting for your right to be a baby.”
Lorraine’s character, by calling out these attitudes, reveals a critical message: women can and should address the double standards that often leave men unchallenged in their behavior.
Her willingness to openly point out these flaws makes her a role model for anyone tired of enabling or balancing other people’s egos.
Lorraine’s approach teaches us that addressing issues directly and without fear of judgment is a powerful method of decentering men.
Using Capitalism to Beat the Patriarchy
Lorraine Lyon doesn’t just survive in a patriarchal world—she turns capitalism into her strongest ally, using it to expose and undermine the systems that oppress women.
In Fargo Season 5, Lorraine’s go-to solution is money; she approaches every problem with a financial fix first.
But she’s not naive. Lorraine knows that money alone can’t buy equality, nor can it erase sexism. Instead, she takes capitalism, a system often criticized for its inequalities, and uses it to fight the very structures that try to limit her.
She destroys the man who refuses to sell the bank to her and ensures that Roy Tillman suffers.
She’s not content to let men like Roy Tillman abuse power unchecked. With her resources and influence, Lorraine ensures that those who oppress others feel the consequences of their actions—especially Roy, who ultimately faces the same suffering he inflicted on his wives.
This approach showcases Lorraine’s resilience and sharp wit. She doesn’t just counter injustice; she actively uses her wealth to turn the tables.
Her strategies serve as a reminder that, in a society often biased against women, capital can be an effective means to demand respect and control.
Lorraine becomes a symbol of karma in action, bringing a satisfying end to a series where male abuse of power had long gone unchallenged.
By embracing capitalism on her own terms, Lorraine illustrates that, even within a flawed system, there are ways to wield influence to change the world for the better.
The above video talks about financial feminism-a movement aimed at empowering women to take control of their finances, thereby fostering financial independence and freedom.
In a world where women are often told to “stay in their place,” Lorraine’s unapologetic use of resources to fight back serves as a blueprint for using systems to our advantage.
Lorraine’s approach is a powerful reminder that leveraging influence, even within flawed systems, can be a means of reclaiming power, decentering men and advocating for justice.
Finding Allies and Uplifting Other Women
In a world where power often pits people against each other, Lorraine Lyon redefines success by lifting up other women and surrounding herself with allies who align with her values.
In Lorraine’s world, alliances are deliberate and meaningful, especially when it comes to supporting other women.
This is evident in her relationship with Indira, the police deputy. Lorraine not only offers her a position but also gives Indira a vital reminder to not bend before anyone. When Indira apologizes for something trivial, Lorraine’s quick response,
“Women who apologize for things that aren’t their fault might as well have “welcome mat” written on their faces.”
is both witty and empowering—a direct lesson on standing tall and embracing her role unapologetically.
Lorraine doesn’t just hire women for show—she intentionally empowers them, placing women in high-stakes positions, like head of security operations, and showing respect for those who assert themselves.
Lorraine also stands by Dot once she uncovers her history, which leads her to take a clear stance against Roy Tillman’s chauvinistic treatment of Dot.
Her reaction when Roy refers to Dot as his “property” reveals Lorraine’s zero tolerance for such disrespect.
Using her considerable influence, Lorraine assists in helping Dot escape from Roy’s grip and gives her a pep talk along the way, offering support to a fellow woman who needs it most.
Equally crucial to Lorraine’s success are the carefully selected allies she surrounds herself with—people like her attorney, Danish Graves, who is unwaveringly loyal and refuses to entertain Roy’s misogynistic remarks.
Danish doesn’t merely support Lorraine; he respects her values and backs her decisions. Lorraine’s circle is full of people who don’t just say they respect women—they show it through action, demonstrating integrity and respect in the face of narcissism and toxicity.
Lorraine’s approach shows that true power comes not just from individual strength, but from building a supportive network of like-minded allies who respect and uplift each other.
Her story is a reminder that finding and uplifting allies, especially women, can be a game-changer in environments often driven by hierarchy and competition.
Here are a few resources for women working in male-dominated industries:
https://www.femalefactor.global/post/how-to-succeed-in-male-dominated-industries
https://weshape.tech/2023/07/05/10-career-tips-women-male-industries/
https://www.graduate-jobs.com/content/graduate-women/skills/enhance-your-networking-skills
FAQs on Decentering Men
1. What is the meaning of decentering men?
Decentering men means shifting the focus from male-dominated expectations or validation and reclaiming your own priorities. It’s about putting your goals, needs, and values at the center of your life instead of molding yourself around others’ demands.
2. What are the benefits of decentering men?
By decentering men, women can enhance their self-esteem and recognize their intrinsic value beyond male validation. It can help women establish healthier boundaries in relationships and gain significant mental space and energy to pursue personal goals, careers, and creative endeavors.
3. What is an example of decentering?
Reflect on how societal expectations may have influenced your perception of relationships. Recognize that you do not need a partner to validate your worth.
Lorraine Lyon’s story in Fargo Season 5 is one of resilience, strategy, and the unapologetic decentering of men who try to block her path.
By understanding the value of resources, setting boundaries, and building a loyal support system, she navigates her way to success.
The lessons Lorraine embodies offer powerful insights into how to survive and thrive in a world where patriarchal expectations often limit women.
Remember: it’s not just about taking power back but owning it unapologetically.
Additional Resources:
https://sasforwomen.com/the-decisive-value-of-decentering-men-from-your-life/
https://www.charliestoolbox.com/post/how-to-decenter-men
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/financial-feminist-tori-dunlap?variant=40308239466530