Analysis Of Bad Feminist By Roxane Gay

Bad Feminist Roxane Gay writes a book, “Bad Feminist”, where she breaks the stereotype of feminists to inform the public what it signifies to be a feminist. She explains to the readers that she is a “bad feminist because I never want to be placed on a Feminist Pedestal” (Gay xi). This “Feminist Pedestal” she mentions throughout the book is a figurative symbol that depicts the women who ought to be flawless since they are the face of feminism, yet whenever they do something wrong, “we knock them right off and then say there’s something wrong with feminism” (Gay x). The essential role, which Gay does in her book, is to inform the public, men and women, that feminism is not an “angry, sex-hating, man-hating victim lady person” (Gay xi). For feminists …show more content…
Respect is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as “a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements”. This is essential in all debates because it demonstrates to the audience that if they can treat debate partner with respect, then they can also treat the people with the same amount of respect. However, since feminism is a serious issue that thousands of people do not understand the seriousness of it, it is challenging to remain respectful. If Emma Watson made her speech forceful, while harassing the men and women who are not feminist, it would present a negative effect. Why would one wish to work with a person that was disrespectful, harsh, and forceful? Gay writes “Feminism is a choice, and if a woman does not want to be a feminist, that is her right, but it is still my responsibility to fight for her rights” (Gay xii). She is respectful of a woman’s wish to not wish to be a feminist, but continues to fight for her right. Feminism, along with equality, is respecting both genders. Respect for men, and women even if they do not choose to become a feminist. A few sentences later, she states “I am in no position to tell women of other cultures what that equality and freedom should look like” (Gay xii). She understands that not all cultures are like American, and she must respect that, knowing she is no place to tell them what they should do with their cultures. Respect is an essential characteristic for all feminism to have so they have peace among the community, therefore, their opponents would be respectful back. This characteristic also allows for the public to see two opposing teams having a debate cordially. If there was not respect in feminism, several people would not join the movement because several people they are debating against, are males. Therefore, they would be presented as hating men, increasing the