Roxane Gay Bad Feminist Analysis

Roxane Gay, author of Bad Feminist, delivered a speech at the TEDWoman Conference of 2015 in which she argued that she is a bad feminist. As a modern woman and feminist, she believes that all women, no matter their race, economic class, or sexuality, are equal to men in every sense of the word. However, she finds herself supporting ideas and behaviors that go against these principles of feminism, such as the popular rap music that almost always degrades women. Roxane affirms, towards the end of her lecture, that this trend of being a “bad feminist” isn’t necessarily bad; to believe in any form of feminism is still considered noble. She gives suggestions, however, on how to steer clear from misogynistic and degrading forms of society and to

I listen to degrading rap music, enjoy television programs that represent women solely as sexual beings created for man’s pleasure, and indirectly support many other un-feministic principles. The people I willingly surround myself with tend to believe in the same things. Why do I do this to myself? I tell people I believe in equality and respect for women, yet have trouble walking the talk. Gay mentions in her argument these contradictions, and how some of her preferences go against feminine strength and independence. I recognize these contradictions as true and have come to realize, much like Roxane, that I can strive to act in ways that truly represent the honest principles of modern feminism. I can listen to more wholesome music instead of misogynistic hip-hop, can

How can I be still and silent when someone’s political and religious views go against the many things I hold believe are right? Overcome with anger and hurt, I find it difficult to see the argument from the other side. Issues with reproductive health tear me up inside. I believe that a woman should have a choice in abortions, but should not view them as a form of birth control. In politics, I can only seem to find those with radical beliefs. There those who are against abortion in every sense of the word, and those who are for it. People, especially feminists, aren’t perfect, and neither am I. Gay argues that feminists have, “a tendency to put visible feminists on a pedestal” (Gay). Could this be the reason why I have difficulty acting out my feminist beliefs? I have always feared failure and rejection, and would be crushed if someone called me out in my poor and unrepresentative actions. This is what truly makes me a bad