The author of the article "Why the Beach Is a Bummer," Roxanne Gay, states her main claim that there's no perfect day at the beach. It has disillusioned many Americans that it's a glamorous place rather than a wretched experience. Society puts too many expectations on beachgoing. Gay has known beaches for years as her family is originally from Haiti, where they are surrounded by spectacular beaches. Consequently, Gay's perspective is compared to some of the most tranquil waters in the country. Since the author has been in America, she has noticed the high standards when beachgoing in the States. The experience is very different as beaches in America aren't as tropical as in Haiti. Beaches in America are overcrowded, the water is ice cold, lawn chairs are uncomfortable, bathing suits are unbearable, and the sand can be full of debris which is unpleasant. Gay wants her readers to understand that American beaches aren't as lavish as society expects them to be.

The author comes from stunning beaches in Haiti and may have a different standard than us in America. Beachgoing in Haiti is more of a vacation destination where you can expect clear water, and fine soft sand. Gay states "Nowhere in the world, we know with certainty, is the water warmer and clearer" (Gay Roxanne, 2014). She makes this statement when describing beaches she grew up around as a child. Her family resides in Florida, where they live five miles from the beach. Gay's parents have only been there once, which shows their urgency of experiencing beaches in America. Comparing beaches from Haiti to America is not the best comparison given they are total opposites. Therefore, this most likely contributes to her negative opinion about beaches here in the States.

Gay reflects on her perspective of the beach and gives her readers more insight into her experience of being uncomfortable in a swimsuit. Gay believes she would be made a mockery as her body isn't the typical "beach body". She goes on by expressing how the mass media labels beach bodies and according to her, she does not fulfill this standard. Therefore, she states that swimsuits are made for certain body types that aren't flattering on all. She goes on by explaining how the swimsuit rides up, it doesn't fit properly, and she would be made a punchline. There's a certain beach body image that mass media deems to be acceptable but isn't realistic for many Americans. Yes, this is the reality especially since they even have workouts named "beach body" workouts expressing that your body should look a certain way if you want to attend the beach. Unfortunately, this is where media with their splashy photos and expectations give us a false reality. I can see how it can be a reminder for her every summer because the advertisement to get fit for summer begins right before the season starts.

In my opinion, I believe Gay puts on a strong argument. She states facts that are known to be true. For example, people who live near the beach rarely even attend. The beach has a different gravitational pull for many people. Mass media and different platforms tend to market the beach as a desirable experience which can leave some wanting to live this fantasy. The media present's the beach experience with fruity beach drinks with little umbrella picks and firm beach bodies. Usually, those beaches with fruity drinks and clear waters are not from the States, yet they continue to advertise those to Americans. She writes this article in hopes people can relate to her argument. She teaches most of the year so having something to look forward to during the summer would have been more enjoyable versus surfing the web to keep her entertained.

The author concludes by noting that the beach can be a source of disappointment and a place of delight and joy. I love the ocean and continue to visit when I have the chance, but I can also agree with Gay when she describes the unrealistic reality they paint for beachgoers. Yes, the water is ice cold and sometimes unbearable, beach body standards are higher than they should be, lawn chairs or seating is usually uncomfortable, and beaches can certainly be dirty, particularly from those who litter. But it also aids as a place for me to unwind and get away from the hustle and bustle. I try to look past all the areas of discomfort and focus on listening to the waves crashing and birds chirping. I don't pay attention to the ideal experience, therefor I don't have high expectations. Since I don't have high expectations or illusions about how the beach should be it's more what I make it.

In her article, "Why the Beach is a Bummer," Roxanne Gay successfully relays her opinion that although the beach can serve as a place to unwind, it can also result in disappointment and disillusionment. She gives us a vast variety of descriptions when expressing how the water overlaps the shore, and although it's a beautiful experience, it's not fun to go into due to the ocean's debris. Gay demonstrates the effect the beach has on her emotionally and physically. Especially when she describes being made a mockery by just being the size she is in a swimsuit. Also, when she explains being nervous to enter the water due to the bountiful number of sharks. Thus, Gay's claim is successful in conveying her opinion that "the beach is better in theory than practice" (Gay Roxanne, 2014). Therefore, something that looks good and sounds good can also be deceiving.

Work Cited

Gay, Roxanne (2014, July 27). "Why The Beach Is a Bummer." New York Times.

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Roxanne Gay argues that American beaches fail to meet the high standards set by society resulting in ... View the full answer