TikTok Star Drew Afualo Responds To Criticism About Her Up-Front Attitude

Although Drew Afualo's fans love the way she responds to misogyny on the app, others criticize her for being too mean. Though her critics may consider her a "bully," Afualo believes that comes from their "patriarchal value(s)." "That's a puritanical belief that women should always be quiet and gracious and patient." 

Afualo said those criticisms uphold the idea that "[women] should always be okay with whatever men say to them. Regardless if it hurts your feelings, if it's disrespectful, if it's bigoted, you should always take the high road. I want to know why that's expected of me. Why is that?"

In answer to her own question, Afualo said it's likely because she's a woman of color, so many expect her to stay quiet and in her place. "If I was a man, if I was small, a skinny white woman, would you have this visceral of a reaction to me, or would you respect me more?" Afualo asked. In response to anyone who might think she's too harsh, she recommended they examine their biases. "When you ask me that question, why don't you ask yourself that question first? Why are you coming after me?"