Critical Response to the Audacity of Voice - Sociology Assignment

This essay offers a critical response to Roxanne Gay's 'The Audacity of Voice,' focusing on the importance of being recognized and heard. The author discusses the significance of speaking up for one's beliefs and the role of social media in amplifying voices, particularly for women. Drawing inspiration from Lena Dunham, the essay highlights the need for women to take a stand against societal wrongs and emphasizes the importance of self-expression. The author reflects on key insights, including not letting social media define beauty, the importance of action, embracing individuality, and the power of female friendships. The essay emphasizes the value of confidence, humor, and the courage to address mental health issues, positioning Dunham as a modern role model for women navigating contemporary challenges.

Running head: CRITICAL RESPONSE TO THE AUDACITY OF VOICE
CRITICAL RESPONSE TO THE AUDACITY OF VOICE
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

1CRITICAL RESPONSE TO THE AUDACITY OF VOICE
The thesis statement of this paper is the importance of being recognised and heard.
The chosen essay to work on is that of “The Audacity of Voice” written by Roxanne Gay
(Duling, 2017). I have chosen this article because of the fact that through this article Roxanne
Gay spreads her message that one should speak up for what he or she believes in. There is
nothing wrong in expressing oneself. There is nothing wrong in expecting others to hear us.
Each individual have the right to express themselves and to be recognised in this world. The
main theme of his article rotates more on social things instead of any other.
Through this article Lena Dunham is telling the world how she exactly feels. Here,
she has also elaborated on why women in this society needs to take a stand against and for
certain things and wrong happenings in this contemporary society. She has also described on
why women need to have a voice of their own. My chosen topic is speaking up for what I
believe in. It is to note that speaking up is equal to making your voice heard by the common
public. In this article, Lena Dunham tells her parents to not freak out on her as she might
become the voice of her generation. She might take the stand that is necessary for the women
in this society. What I personally believe that in this modern world, more and more women
need to take a stand for themselves against the wrongs that are done to them and internet and
social media is the best platform for this. Social media and internet in this generation is
playing a great role in promoting everything whether it be business, relationship, feelings and
status. It is the best platform through which people could make their voices heard.
Watching Lena Dunham evolving from a mess into an intelligent and polished role
model for the women today is really inspiring. She helps us by providing way to stand up
with our head held high. She is our modern day oracle. I have learned four critical insights
from her. The very first is that- we should not let the social media define our beauty. She
shows us that our brain, a fantastic sense of humour and the level of confidence really do
contribute to a significant extent to our allure. The second is that- we should walk the talk.

2CRITICAL RESPONSE TO THE AUDACITY OF VOICE
She does much more than just talk regarding the cause that she cares about. It is her passion
that drives her action. The fourth is that- it is completely okay to be little crazy. She has shed
light on the fact that mental illness is something that people in this society still shy away from
talking about and there are many people who tend to hide this. The last is of keeping our
friends close. It is the power of female friendships that is at the crux for the girls.

3CRITICAL RESPONSE TO THE AUDACITY OF VOICE
References:
Duling, K. (2017). Lena Dunham: Feminist Writer, Actor, Producer, and Director. Cavendish
Square Publishing, LLC.