In "Bad Feminist," Roxane Gay reflects on her childhood, highlighting her dedication to being the ideal daughter and student. She describes herself as a model of good behavior, consistently achieving high marks and obeying authority. This facade of perfection allowed her to conceal her inner struggles and the darker aspects of her personality from those around her.

Gay suggests that conforming to societal expectations of goodness can create a disconnect between one's true self and external perceptions. This duality leaves her feeling fraudulent, as the pressure to maintain an image of virtue enables her to hide the complexities of her character, revealing that the pursuit of goodness can sometimes mask deeper issues.