The recent focus on Lindy West’s memoir is being interpreted by some as the definitive end of millennial feminism. This internet-forged movement of the 2010s, responsible for bringing concepts like #MeToo, body positivity, and intersectionality into the mainstream, was already facing an antifeminist backlash.

There is a certain irony that the supposed final chapter of this movement is being written through a personal essay, the very format millennial feminists mastered. West, a prominent figure who rose through outlets like The Stranger and Jezebel, built a career excoriating fatphobia and online misogyny.

The Memoir and the Microcosm

West’s new book details the complexities of her marriage, which allegedly culminated in her entering a polycule she did not desire, yet ultimately claiming happiness with her choice. Critics suggest this narrative exposes a gap, as Helen Lewis noted, between what the movement’s leaders demanded and what they could personally endure.

The argument posits that West, a strong opponent of male power, was ultimately undone by it, reframing the acceptance of her husband's demand to open their marriage as a progressive act. This situation is seen as a microcosm of millennial feminism’s internal contradictions.

Grieving the Loss of Millennial Feminism’s Gains

Feminism is a century-and-a-half-old social movement, and its evolution is natural; the current shift does not invalidate the substantial achievements of the 2010s version. In fact, much of millennial feminism was highly beneficial, and its potential replacement warrants concern.

When the author began writing around 2003, mainstream feminist voices in media were scarce, often relegated to niche columns or the Style section of newspapers. Women’s magazines primarily focused on securing male partners.

The Rise of the Feminist Blogosphere

The early feminist blogosphere emerged into a misogynistic environment, offering a dynamic space for debate and clarity for young women. For those in their teens and twenties, it illuminated the unequal world they inhabited.

  • The term “Success Daughters” named the reality of encountering barriers despite being told they could achieve anything.
  • “Gaslighting” became a recognized tool men used to deny women’s realities.
  • The “Girl Boss” concept, though mocked, highlighted that female founders faced systemic under-resourcing and disdain for ambition.

This early online movement tackled issues ranging from media coverage of women’s health to workplace dynamics, considering race and class. It fostered a sense of collective creation, reminiscent of 1970s consciousness-raising sessions.

Internal Flaws and Self-Defeat

The movement had significant shortcomings, often replicating racial inequalities seen in previous feminist waves, where young white women received more opportunities. Furthermore, legitimate critiques of racism sometimes devolved into using intersectionality as a weapon against perceived rivals.

A creeping censoriousness also took hold, publicly shaming those with “problematic” views. Discussions about the definition of womanhood beyond self-identification or the possibility of being healthy at any size were often shut down.

Accusations of transphobia or fatphobia stifled necessary dialogue. This narrowing of acceptable conversation may have felt like a triumph for marginalized groups but likely alienated many with legitimate concerns about issues like diet culture or medical terminology for female bodies.

Lindy West’s Enduring Impact

While criticism of millennial feminism is warranted, focusing only on its self-defeating aspects obscures its positive societal changes, including Lindy West’s contributions. West popularized feminist fat acceptance, offering a compelling, unapologetic model for young women.

She was instrumental in co-founding the #ShoutYourAbortion campaign, creating a permission structure for others to share their stories publicly. West, while imperfect, inspired many to embrace a brasher, more feminist identity.

Measuring the Movement’s Net Gain

Overall, millennial feminism generated far more good than harm. Consider the fight for abortion rights; while strategies like “Shout Your Abortion” are debatable, the overturning of Roe v. Wade resulted from decades of organized anti-abortion work, not social media posts.

However, the legacy includes an unprecedented number of people willing to break unjust laws to aid women, and media outlets now treating abortion restrictions as major national news. The #MeToo reckoning would have been impossible without the discourse shifts fostered by millennial feminists.

Even contentious areas like body positivity yielded crucial progress. Insisting women have a right to feel happy in their skin and that health is complex remains a positive innovation, despite the complications introduced by trends like Ozempic.

While shutting down discourse on sex, biology, and gender was ultimately counterproductive, the movement pushed society forward. Today, more people support laws protecting trans individuals from discrimination and affirming reproductive autonomy—questions largely unaddressed when the blogging era began.