I think there are a lot of rules for women. We have a lot of expectations and a lot of rules for women. So we're expected to march in a straight line, and when we don't, all hell breaks loose.
Roxane GayRead
Beyonce is not above critique. As a feminist herself, I hope Beyonce would welcome it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the idea that even prominent figures like Beyonce should be open to criticism, especially regarding feminist issues.
Roxane Gay's quote suggests that no one, regardless of their status or influence, is immune to critique, and this includes celebrated feminists like Beyonce. The expectation is that public figures, particularly those advocating for important social issues, should be receptive to constructive feedback to promote growth and understanding within their movements.
Themes
CritiqueFeminismGrowthOpennessDiscussion
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote to introduce a discussion panel on feminist figures and their receptiveness to critique.
More from Roxane Gay
All quotes βI believe in the freedom of expression, unequivocally - though, as I have written before, I wish more people would understand that freedom of expression is not freedom from consequence.
Roxane GayRead
Public intellectuals are often put in the position of having their words, no matter how off-the-cuff, treated as doctrine.
Roxane GayRead
No one is helped when cultural critics use their voices irresponsibly.
Roxane GayRead
I have never dreamed of being a princess. I have not longed for Prince Charming. I have and do long for something resembling a happily ever after. I am supposed to be above such flights of fantasy, but I am not. I am enamored of fairy tales.
Roxane GayRead
There has been, and there will continue to be, vigorous discussions about race in America. I worry that little will come of these discussions because we aren't addressing what must be done to change the current racial climate.
Roxane GayRead
Similar quotes
The question of whether one has one's own political power or goes to work for someone else is not only a feminist question.
Gloria SteinemRead
When women can support themselves, have entry to all the trades and professions, with a house of their own over their heads and a bank account, they will own their bodies and be dictators in the social realm.
Elizabeth Cady StantonRead
Feminism's agenda is basic: it asks that women not be forced to "choose" between public justice and private happiness. It asks that women be free to define themselves-instead of having their identity defined for them, time and again, by their culture and their men.
Susan FaludiRead
Long before I became a feminist in any explicit way, I had turned from writing love stories about women in which women were losers, and adventure stories about men in which the men were winners, to writing adventure stories about a woman in which the woman won. It was one of the hardest things I ever did in my life.
Joanna RussRead
A movie about a weak, vulnerable woman can be feminist if it shows a real person that we can empathize with.
Natalie PortmanRead
No self-respecting woman should wish or work for the success of a party who ignores her sex.
Susan B. AnthonyRead