Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay Review

As an essay collection, I found Bad Feminist valuable, the intro and conclusions were the most succinct regarding the title and what Gay means by it, which is also the most impactful and lasting sentiment of the entire book. I found what Gay has to say about trigger warnings and likability in female characters interesting, because why do we revere imperfect male characters as antiheroes but imperfect, “human” female characters as annoying? She also discusses the “weary woman”, sick and tired of the glazing over of male eyes when bringing up female grievances, begging for change and action ignored and diminished time and time again. Sacrifice at the expense of women seems never ending, in relationships and in life, biting tongues to keep the peace in trying to fit the mold of what a “good woman” should be seems to be the norm of our society. Does not fighting it make one a bad feminist? But when women reject complacency and voice all the innumerable ways we as a society fail women, they are labeled as social justice warriors, angry feminists, we should all “lighten up."

Gay is extremely self aware of all the ways she “fails” at being a feminist, all the ways she is imperfect and how feminism isn’t perfect because people aren’t perfect. She concludes by stating that doesn’t mean we can’t try, because being a bad feminist is better than not being a feminist at all. 

The reason I enjoyed this more as an essay collection rather than a comprehensive piece of feminist literature is because I felt that the essays were a bit disjointed at times. But I understand why she included essays on race, representation, fatphobia, her personal life, and more, to paint a fuller picture of why she chose to write this book and why she is passionate about the subject. I was surprised by how many of the essays were her thoughts on many kinds and examples of media, such as books she grew up reading, movies, and published contemporary fiction that is popular today. I had no prior knowledge of most, but I am grateful that she explained everything clearly, I was never particularly confused about anything she chose to delve into.