Roxane Gay's "Bad Feminist" explores the issue of how social movements, particularly feminism, are frequently defined by the most prominent leaders and the media's portrayal of them. This fixation on the most visible figures often reduces complex ideologies to simplistic narratives, overshadowing the diverse voices and experiences within the movement. Gay argues that this narrow focus limits the understanding of feminism as a whole.

The author emphasizes that feminism encompasses a wide range of beliefs and ideas, rather than being dictated solely by current trends or popular figures. By acknowledging the varied perspectives within feminism, Gay encourages a more nuanced approach that recognizes the depth of the movement beyond media representation, ultimately fostering a richer discourse about gender equality.