My body is treated like a public space. 62 Air travel is another kind of hell.
In Roxane Gay's book "Hunger," she reflects on the experience of living in a body that is often scrutinized and judged by society, feeling as though it exists in a public domain. This perspective highlights the societal pressures and expectations placed on bodies, particularly for those who do not conform to traditional beauty standards. Gay’s candid exploration of her struggles reveals the complexities of self-perception and the impact of external opinions on one’s sense of identity.
Air travel serves as a metaphor for this feeling of public scrutiny, where the cramped conditions and invasive judgments exacerbate her discomfort. The phrase "62 Air travel is another kind of hell" suggests that traveling in such an exposed and closely confined space amplifies her sense of vulnerability and alienation. Through these experiences, Gay articulates her profound discomfort with her body, capturing the emotional weight of navigating a world that often fails to recognize and respect individual dignity.
