Online dating sites and dating apps have revolutionized the way we connect, date and hook-up with people. Although dating apps have seemingly made connecting easier, they’ve shed light on a major problem women having been navigating for decades: the abusive retaliation by rejected men. Wanting to start a conversation, expose some of the creeps that women should look out for and let women know they’re not alone, Alexandra Tweten started an Instagram account named, Bye Felipe. The account went viral and Twenten decided to write a book to share her digital dating experiences.
Bye Felipe: Disses, Dick Pics and Other Delights of Modern Dating combines humor, feminist theory and a little solidarity to help women navigate the sometimes scary world of digital dating. The name Bye Felipe is a nod to the meme and popular quip, Bye Felicia––which originated from the hit film, Friday. The book includes screenshots of Tweten’s and other women’s online exchanges with fat shamers, slut shamers, racists, mansplainers, and of course, the men who send unsolicited pictures of their genitals. There are hilarious examples of the types of men you should avoid, including Trevor the Troll and White Supremacist Wayne. I know what you’re thinking. Scary, right? But there’s no need to be frightened. Featuring Riot Grrrl-esque graphic art by Robin Eisenberg, the digital dating, feminist manifesto not only helps women find the humor in their uncomfortable and often scary encounters, it offers tips to help women deflect the misogyny they encounter on these dating apps, as well. Get suggestions on the best apps to use and how to respond to racism and possible stalkers while swiping through your favorite app. Digital dating can still be thrilling and fun, despite misogyny!
Featured in major national media, including The New York Times, Cosmopolitan and Huffington Post, author Alexandra Tweten, has been called as the “Feminist-Tinder-Creep-Busting web vigilante.” The creator of the famous Bye Felipe Instagram account also co-hosts the V Single Podcast, has appeared on Good Morning America and is the subject of the forthcoming short-form documentary, #InternetFamous.
