Feminism is facing issues linked to the way its advocates are perceived, particularly when they are treated as personal brands. When charismatic figures express views that resonate with us, we elevate them to icons within the movement. However, if these individuals take a stance that we disagree with, we quickly dismiss them and, in turn, question the integrity of feminism itself. This cycle leads to confusion between the core principles of feminism and the actions of those who publicly identify as feminists.

Roxane Gay's "Bad Feminist" critiques this tendency to conflate the movement with the personas of its advocates, suggesting that we often forget that feminism is much broader than the views of any individual supporter. By holding these figureheads accountable for the entire ideology, we risk undermining the foundational message of feminism and its goals. Realizing that feminism itself is separate from the professionals who claim to represent it is crucial for understanding its true purpose and significance.