Roxane Gay's essay in "Bad Feminist" addresses the overuse of the term "privilege" in cultural criticism, arguing that its frequent and often vague use has diminished its impact. She suggests that when critics repeatedly mention privilege without providing context or depth, the term loses its significance and becomes background noise in discussions about social issues.

This dilution of meaning makes it harder for audiences to engage with the concept or recognize its relevance in specific contexts. Ultimately, Gay highlights the need for more thoughtful discourse around privilege to enhance understanding rather than contribute to confusion and apathy.