Project One - Critical Analysis Essay

In “Why the Beach is a Bummer,” Roxane Gay explains why she does not like the beach and tries to persuade the reader into not going to the beach. Although she makes some valid arguments, her cons do not out weight the pros of what a beach may have to offer. Gay claims that beaches are too much of a hassle, which is a comical thought, because there are ways to enjoy the beach despite the potentially annoying downfalls. Beach vacations are considered one of the top vacation spots especially for people who do not live near a beach. Many people find them relaxing and enjoyable. Gay claims that beaches are not as glorious as what people make them out to be. She explains this in a somewhat annoying manner because she ignores why people fantasize the beaches. Gay is correct that people fantasize summer vacations, stating “It will never be what we want it to be, and yet we cannot help but hold on to this version of summer, of the beach, of contentment” (Gay, 2014). But she doesn’t acknowledge why people have the fantasy. Most people fantasize about their summer or beaches because they usually end up staying home or doing something less glamorous than their fantasy. When it comes to beaches there is usually a lot of people, sand can get all over your belongings and get into crevices where sand should not be, uncomfortable swimsuits, and dirty, slimy water. Although some of those things can be annoying, I do not believe it is enough to keep me away from the beaches. Yes, sand gets everywhere, but retailers make special beach blankets so the granules of sand can sift through the blanket, making it less of a hassle. Sand can get into one’s crevices but it is nothing a little soap and water cannot fix. Bathing suits, now this is something I can agree with Gay on. Nowadays, it seems bathing suits are made for people who have that perfect “beach body,” although realistically, for most, that “beach body” is just another fantasy. A lot of bathing suits made today contain little very little fabric and are not flattering to most body types, which can make a lot of people self-conscious about their body while at the beach. According to Gay, the beach water is not always enticing, it’s not always clear and there is often some sort of algae with coral hiding at the bottom, where if you are not careful can cause you to gain some cuts and scrapes that you did not have when you first entered the water. Gay is also right when she claims that there are sharks, and other creatures all throughout the ocean waters. Since the water is not always clear, the only way you would really know the creepycrawlies are near you is if they brush up against you, or you happen to be one of the unlucky ones and swim away with a bite. I can understand why this would deter some people from the beaches. However, algae will not hurt you and one can purchase water shoes to protect her feet from the coral and other unknowns. Furthermore, the odds of getting bit by a shark is 1 in 3,748,067 (Cvetkovska, 2021). I think I will take my chances on this; it is not enough to keep me away from the salt and sand. In Gay’s article she targets an audience who glorifies the beach – specifically those who don’t live near beaches. I think she is targeting those people because they are the ones who have this fantasy of amazing summer beach vacations because of those amazing commercials we see, where individuals are frolicking across the sand with their long-bleached hair shimmering in the sun against the water. “The beach becomes a kind of utopia – the place where all our dreams come true” (Gay, 2014). I think Gay gains a connection with her audience to some degree when she speaks about how uncomfortable bathing suits can be, because most of America does not have that perfect “beach body.” She is creating that connection with the audience by speaking on a personal level. Throughout her article Gay also uses humor to try to connect with her audience and I think in some ways she can get her points across with this. For instance, “I’m black, and so I understand sunbathing as a concept but less so as an activity. How long am I supposed to lie in the sun? When do I turn myself over like roasting meat on a spit? How often do I apply sunscreen you speak of” (Gay, 2014)? Gay’s claim on some key points can be strong, like I stated previously, bathing suits are made for those who have that perfect “beach body,” there is very little fabric which is not flattering for most people. There are sharks in the water, and coral can be harmful. But there are precautions one can take. One can wear water shoes and a “bathing suit” that is comfortable for her; whether it be an actual swim suit or just a shirt and shorts. As for the sharks and other creatures, the likelihood of being hurt is slim. So, Gay’s reasons are not enough to convince me to stay home. Despite the sand in the crevices, uncomfortable bathing suits, or creep-crawlies in the water, people are still drawn to the beautiful beaches our world has to offer. So, even though Gay’s claims in the article are strong and true, this is not enough to persuade her audience not to go to the beach. Most of America has their idea of how amazing the beach is, so the joy it brings to many outweighs the negatives.