RCL4: TED Talk – Bad Feminist

In the TED talk, Confessions of a bad feminist, by Roxanne Gay the idea of feminism being a sort of work in progress is discussed. It is proposed by Ms. Gay that she is a “bad feminist” meaning that despite her wanting to be a feminist and ardent supporter of women’s rights, she has struggled with her identity as a feminist. Although she, of course, supports gender equality she also discusses her enjoyment of mainstream hip hop music and tv entertainment that exhibit sexism or degrade women. She also discusses how the label “feminist” has an affect on people and can be a deterrent to openness on the topic of feminism. Being labeled as a feminist means that many people will have certain expectations of you and when those expectations aren’t met critics will be waiting to tear you apart.

These two main struggles hat Roxanne Gay faces with feminism are the main supporting factors as to why part of being a feminist is being a work in progress. Although it is hard to steer clear entirely of sexism, Ms. Gay asserts that as we grow and develop as feminists it becomes easier and that no body’s perfect – not even feminists – therefore any criticism should be taken with a grain of salt. Essentially, everyone’s journey with feminism is different, but its the thought and effort toward equality that counts.

One of the best ways she expresses her ideas is through humor and making jokes that allow the audience and listeners to connect with her struggles in a comical way. After she broaches a topic with a joke she often also follows up with a more solemn aspect of feminism that the audience also can connect with. She uses her humor as a successful Segway into more difficult topics. This makes her presentation different from a speech in the sense that it seems much less reversed and more natural – which in turn allows her to better connect with her audience.

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