Roxane Gay, in her book "Bad Feminist: Essays," expresses her strong aversion to the N-word, recognizing it as a deeply offensive term. She emphasizes that the word has historically served as a tool of oppression, meant to demean and dehumanize Black individuals by affirming a false sense of superiority among others. Gay’s perspective highlights the painful impact of language and its ability to enforce social hierarchies.

Furthermore, Gay's rejection of the N-word reflects a broader societal responsibility to challenge and dismantle the use of derogatory language. By avoiding the term, she advocates for respect and understanding, promoting an awareness of the word's historical connotations and the harm it continues to represent. Gay urges readers to consider the implications of language in reinforcing systemic inequalities.