Roxane Gay's "Bad Feminist: Essays" highlights the portrayal of women in media, arguing that while numerous shows and films feature female characters, many fail to represent them authentically. The gap between visibility and recognition is significant, as many depictions do not resonate with real women's experiences, struggles, or complexities.

Gay emphasizes the importance of creating multifaceted female characters that reflect the diversity and nuances of women's lives. By critiquing existing narratives, she advocates for a shift toward more relatable and genuine representations in storytelling, allowing women's voices and stories to be truly acknowledged and valued.