Introduction
The article “Why the Beach Is a Bummer” by Roxane Gay discusses a mediocre topic of the difference between beaches and people who are expected to appear a certain way on them. The author tries to convey that societal expectations may always exist and vary. People may fall into the trap of wishing to look like others want them to see, but in reality, these stereotypes about beach body types are illusions that one can choose to follow and believe or ignore. In her article “Why the Beach Is a Bummer,” Roxane Gay explores the societal pressures surrounding the “perfect” beach body, revealing that these expectations are illusions that individuals may choose to conform to or reject, highlighting the need for body positivity and self-acceptance.
Article Analysis
Tone and Writing Style
In her opinion piece “Why the Beach Is a Bummer,” Roxane Gay assumes quite a critical tone in her writing, the purpose of which was not only to criticize the beaches in the US but also in terms of their environmental or ecosystem impact, but instead regarding the social pressures it imposes. The conversational and blasé writing style is perfect for getting the message across to the audience of the opinion piece. The early analysis of the article allowed us to conclude that the author’s claims should not be overanalyzed in search of a deeper meaning since the writing structure is quite open, and the author can jump from one message to another.
Main Message and Arguments
The author’s central claim is that no beach and body type should be considered standard. For example, Gay (2014) states that “nowhere in the world … is the water warmer and clearer” and “nowhere is the sand whiter or more willing to embrace our warm flesh” (para. 3). By selecting this topic and using non-academic and non-technical writing styles, the author seems to target an average American that has some critical analysis skills. Furthermore, utilizing this specific style, Gay is trying to connect with them and express her cynicism about the whole idea of beach body requirements that society sets.
Another approach the author uses to connect with the reader is real-life examples, analyzed philosophically but using the same simple writing. Specifically, when Gay (2014) recalls her experience on one of New Orleans’s beaches with tanned bodies and alcohol, she reminds the reader that anyone can survive without seeing all of it.
The central claim in this article is that people can try to attain specific looks or behave in a particular way. However, they should never be obliged to do so if this perspective is not aligned with their values and goals. It is a strong claim because, from a long-term perspective, none of it will matter. Thus, visiting specific places or training one’s body to exhaustion should always be a personal preference rather than a priority in life.
She has seen it firsthand while growing up in Haiti, living the beach life. After living there so long, it seems not exciting to go to the beach. The beach in the summertime is hot and nasty, sometimes overcrowded with people. A lot of different things happen at the beach that she doesn’t like. Roxana stated she doesn’t like sand, people, or animals at the beach (Gay, R., 2014). Advertisements only show people having fun at the beach and clean, clear water. They leave out how hot it is at the beach.
While it may appear confusing to some, the witty and straightforward writing makes reading it effortless. A closer analysis of the author’s claim and the structure of the essay will help illustrate how the examples from the author’s life strengthen the narrative and her personal opinions: “Reading at the beach is an ordeal—trying to find a comfortable position, keeping sand out of the book and sun out of my eyes” (Gay). The author intentionally uses enumeration to make the arguments more convincing to the audience.
The targeted audience may be looking for the pros and cons of going to the beach or someone looking to live on the beach. The challenge is that the author talks about living on the beach, growing up in Haiti, and not liking people or animals. Other People in Haiti or other countries on the beach may enjoy all of those things and have different views of the beach.
Effectiveness of Arguments
The author’s writing effectively achieves the purpose mentioned above because the statements she makes are something people can connect with. While everyone’s experiences at the beach are different, there is at least something with which the audience can agree. For women, the pressure of having a perfect body is a challenge many have encountered, so it is hard not to support the author’s opinions. “Why the Beach Is a Bummer” is written in a way that makes it seem as if it is a friend ranting about their experiences, which makes peace very comforting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gay’s article presents the central societal problem of body and lifestyle stereotypes using examples of the expectations society puts on how people should present themselves on beaches. The author connected with the audience by combining a straightforward writing style and a cynical tone to show that all these standards are inessential. This claim is strong because Gay (2014) presents one personal experience during which she realizes she could live the same average life without attending that beach.
References
Gay, R. (2014). Why the beach is a bummer. The New York Times. Web.