In her book "Bad Feminist: Essays," Roxane Gay addresses the backlash women often face for speaking out against misogynistic or rape-related humor. When they express discomfort or disapproval, society tends to label them as overly sensitive or militant feminists. This labeling reflects broader societal attitudes that dismiss women's valid concerns while minimizing the seriousness of misogyny.

Gay underscores how the term "feminist" has evolved, increasingly being used to describe women who refuse to accept disrespect or intolerance. This shift reveals a cultural struggle, as women fight for recognition and equality while battling against jokes and attitudes that undermine their experiences. Through her essays, Gay champions the need for women to stand firm against such humor and highlights the importance of calling out the misogyny embedded in everyday situations.