I think the world is ambivalent about feminism. So I can't blame college students. I think they're reflecting the greater culture's attitude toward feminism. So what I can do is, in ways that are appropriate, advocate for feminism and help the students learn what feminism is about.

The quote by Roxane Gay—“I think the world is ambivalent about feminism. So I can't blame college students. I think they're reflecting the greater culture's attitude toward feminism. So what I can do is, in ways that are appropriate, advocate for feminism and help the students learn what feminism is about”—acknowledges the complex and conflicted relationship society has with feminist ideals. Gay, a prominent writer, cultural critic, and professor, is observing that young people, particularly students, often mirror the broader societal discomfort or misunderstanding surrounding feminism rather than forming those views in isolation.

By refusing to blame students, Gay emphasizes that attitudes toward feminism are shaped by media, politics, and cultural narratives, many of which present feminism as divisive or outdated. Her point is that confusion or resistance to feminist values isn’t a failure of education alone, but a result of the ambivalence and contradictions embedded in the wider social discourse. This perspective shows her empathy as an educator and her realistic understanding of the challenges facing feminist advocacy today.

In recognizing her role as a teacher, Gay takes on the responsibility to advocate and educate in a way that is respectful, informed, and contextually appropriate. She aims not to impose, but to offer students a deeper, clearer understanding of what feminism truly represents—equality, justice, and empowerment for all genders. Her approach is about creating dialogue, challenging assumptions, and giving students the tools to critically engage with feminist ideas.

This quote stems from Gay’s broader work as an author of books like Bad Feminist and a contributor to discussions on gender, race, and social justice. It reflects her nuanced, thoughtful approach to cultural criticism, where she balances advocacy with a deep awareness of the societal forces that shape people's views. Ultimately, Gay’s message is one of patience, education, and the transformative potential of understanding feminism in its true form.