Roxane Gay would rather be a bad feminist than no feminist at all. And after reading her book of essays, I agree. Roxane is a woman of color commenting about the state of feminism today in our culture and society. She does not pretend to have it all figured out. She does not proclaim to be a strong feminist either. Instead, she keeps it real in a sometimes-funny, sharp way.
Roxane had my attention with the first page of introduction when she admits to singing along to catchy music that glorifies the degradation of women. I've certainly had this same imperfect moment. I jam to Too Short's Blow the Whistle and ballroom-hustle to Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines. Then sing along to Flawless by Beyoncé reciting Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's part. By the last page of the book's introduction, I was rooting along with her call for literary excellence.
The essays widely range from BET programming to the color pink to racism and those who claim they are "not here to make friends." Every subject she tackles in an essay is thoroughly explained and clearly researched. Books like this are why I am picky about non-fiction. If I am going to fully read a book about truths, it better be full of fact and informed opinion. Bad Feminist fit my non-fiction criteria and was so worth reading.
Whether you consider yourself a feminist or not, Roxane Gay's book should be on your reading list. We all want to know more and do better.
Title: Bad Feminist
Author: Roxane Gay
Published: August 2014
Pages: 318
Edition: Paperback
Challenge: Popsugar Book From the Library
Rating: ♥♥♥♥
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