Roxane Gay argues that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's presence on the cover of Rolling Stone serves an important purpose. It challenges readers to confront their prejudices and fears that stem from societal stereotypes. Instead of focusing solely on preconceived notions of danger, it's vital to recognize the complexities of individual identities.

By featuring Tsarnaev, who is often seen through a lens of fear due to his actions, the cover compels us to reflect on our biases and the broader implications of profiling. Gay emphasizes that understanding human complexity can help dismantle the narratives that lead to discrimination and fear.