Joseph Gordon-Levitt: Feminism means ‘you don’t let your gender define you’

Joseph Gordon Levitt

Joseph Gordon-Levitt has started his promotional duties for Sin City: A Dame to Kill For. He plays a gambling addict who crosses the wrong politician. I loved the visual stylings of the first film, but it came out nearly a decade ago. Do audiences remember the first movie? Even with sexy Eva Green in the lead role, this sequel will probably not make much money. Don’t even get me started on how this movie’s marketing has focused on Jessica Alba (she plays the non-stripping stripper named Nancy). I certainly don’t mind seeing the occasional JGL interview though. He spoke with the Daily Beast about several topics. The best part detailed his thoughts on feminism. Take it away, Tommy Solomon:

Why he did this movie: “First and foremost: Robert Rodriguez. I’ve loved his movies–Desperado, From Dusk Till Dawn, you name it. But I remember seeing the first Sin City movie in theaters and thinking, “Wow… this is a Rodriguez movie but it’s also something else entirely.” I loved it. It’s the combination of him and Frank Miller that makes these movies special, and ‘graphic’ is the best word to describe it–‘graphic’ as in it’s not about realism in the drawings, since the night sky looks jet black and the rain looks snow white. When you apply these graphics to filmmaking, and to acting, it’s a fascinating prospect.”

His thoughts on young stars avoiding the feminist label: “Coming out against the label? Wow. I guess I’m not aware of that. What that means to me is that you don’t let your gender define who you are–you can be who you want to be, whether you’re a man, a woman, a boy, a girl, whatever. However you want to define yourself, you can do that and should be able to do that, and no category ever really describes a person because every person is unique. That, to me, is what ‘feminism’ means. So yes, I’d absolutely call myself a feminist. And if you look at history, women are an oppressed category of people. There’s a long, long history of women suffering abuse, injustice, and not having the same opportunities as men, and I think that’s been very detrimental to the human race as a whole. I’m a believer that if everyone has a fair chance to be what they want to be and do what they want to do, it’s better for everyone. It benefits society as a whole.”

Did he audition for Star-Lord and Ant-Man? “It’s bullsh-t. No, I wouldn’t use the word bullsh-t–but it is incorrect. But I am working on Sandman and we’re in the very early stages of working on the adaptation. It’s such rich material, and it’s a challenge to adapt Sandman into a feature film because it wasn’t written that way; it was written as 75 issues of an episodic comic book, so adapting that into a feature necessitates us getting really creative with it. I think we’re really onto something. It’s David Goyer, myself, the screenwriter Jack Thorne, and Neil Gaiman, and then the good folks at DC and Warner Bros. It’s a great group of people with a lot of respect for the material, and I really think we have the potential to do something great.”

[From Daily Beast]

The feminism discussion refers to the recent trend of starlets like Shailene Woodley, Cameron Diaz, and Katy Perry rejecting the feminist label. Their stance revealed great confusion over the actual meaning of the f-word. These three ladies aren’t alone, and many men don’t understand the value of feminism either. It’s nice when someone gets it like Joe does.

Oh, and I completely forgot that JGL signed onto Sandman. He’s going to play Morpheus, which is pitch perfect casting. Joe even agreed to produce because he loves the Neil Gaiman comic series so much. The competition for the Death role should be interesting.

Joseph Gordon Levitt

Photos courtesy of WENN

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83 Responses to “Joseph Gordon-Levitt: Feminism means ‘you don’t let your gender define you’”

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  1. TheOriginalKitten says:

    Yay for Dimples! Always liked him a lot so I’m glad to read this.

    • Dani2 says:

      +1 I’ve loved him since Ten Things I Hate About You so I’m loving this interview.

    • V4Real says:

      He’s a cutie but he almost lost me when he said pretty girls are not supposed to be funny. I guess someone is upping their sensitivity skills.

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        I’ll probably get a rash of shit for this but I’m going to do it because it’s Friday and I’ll just go home and get stoned after this. So have at me, ladies.

        It was dumb of JGL to single out women in particular but frankly, I think most pretty people (male AND female) aren’t incredibly funny. It doesn’t mean that they’re not likable or affable of funny AT TIMES–but from my experience, most aren’t fall-on-the-floor-with-laughter hilarious.

        I think *sometimes* humor is used as a way to compensate for other things (like say, looks) that are lacking. Now, that’s not a dig—the funniest person I know is a VERY average-looking guy but his ability to make everyone laugh makes him irresistible to most women.

        Men like George Clooney or Brad Pitt come across as pretty funny and likable in interviews, but compared to someone like Louis CK? No contest.

        The biggest problem I have with his comment is that he was referring to Emily Blunt. Is she really THAT funny? Eh…
        For what it’s worth, JGL did apologize for his comment. As I said, I agree that it was a stupid thing to say, but I forgive him.

      • V4Real says:

        I don’t see why you should get shit for that statement. Most of us probably agree with you. In JGL’s case I think it’s what my former HR boss always said, “you can think it but don’t say it”. I think comments like the one he said lends itself to that age old thinking that oh but she has a great personality or but she’s really funny. You know, how some people describe a woman that they may not find attractive.

        Now if you pay close attention to Hollywood and female commedians how many are actually knockouts. I definitely get what he is saying but perhaps he shouldn’t have. If it was someone like Sheen or a Shia L. who made that comment we would be calling them an even bigger douche. We make exceptions for those we like. Note I said he almost lost me but I find him quite adorable and we all slip up occasionally.

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        Oh definitely. If it was Sheen who said it, I’d be positively gleeful that he’s reinforcing how I already feel about him.
        But Sheen has never presented himself as a feminist, or anything other than a total dbag, whereas Joey has been a pretty vocal supporter of women, which is why that dumb comment came as such a surprise.

        “I think comments like the one he said lends itself to that age old thinking that oh but she has a great personality or but she’s really funny. You know, how some people describe a woman that they may not find attractive.”

        Yeah that’s true. I didn’t think of that aspect.

        I also think part of the reason why we don’t find many hilarious pretty people out there is because beauty is a rarity and average is more common. It’s just a game of odds that it’s more likely for a truly funny person to be average in looks.

      • Observer says:

        I don’t understand why it’s so important for a man (or woman) to be funny (?)
        I would never want someone like Louis C.K. To me having a sense of humor is more important than being good at cracking jokes which frankly can be annoying. I don’t want a clown, thanks. And I find other qualities much more important than being funny. Having a sense of humor and being able to laugh together and being a smiley, positive person is much more important to me.
        And what qualifies as being funny today is just sad. Raunch humor (toilet humor really), joking at the expense of other people (easiest thing ever and doesn’t really require much of a brain , let’ s be honest), and just making the most offensive jokes ever is totes cool and “daring” and makes you a funny person – give me a break.
        Louis C.K isn’t even funny! His jokes only work if there is another person he can bounce off of. Whatever. /Rant

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      Yay!

    • bettyrose says:

      I’ve always liked him, but he took a lot of heat on this site for some comments he made while promoting Don Jon. I’ve been skeptical of him since then, so I was quick to point out this morning that I like what he says here.

    • I Choose Me says:

      + Whatever number this is now.

  2. bettyrose says:

    Um..I’m okay with that. Yes, feminism is defining yourself as an individual and not being pigeonholed by stereotypes. On a recent thread, a lot of women here pointed out that their male partners want to be stay at home dads or lower earning “house husbands” who prioritize home life over career. That’s men also choosing freedom from gender prescribed roles.

    • kri says:

      Excellent point, @bettyrose. We all have our own prejudices, don’t we? I admit I had a knee-jerk reaction to that “Celeb House Dad” thing, i.e. Eric Johnson, etc. But then I thought “well at least one parent is always around” . But JGL has a point about rejecting the label. Women who do that don’t truly understand what it means.

    • From North of Boston says:

      I’m kind of OK with what he said, but I think feminism has a broader definition than the one he gave.

      It’s not just defining YOURSELF however you want and not being limited by gender stereotypes, but also supporting OTHERS defining THEMSELVES on their own terms, living your life and advocating for/supporting others in such a way that ALL women are free to pursue their goals and not be discriminated against because they are women.

      Also, muddying “feminism” to apply to all people, regardless of gender, in a way is sweeping the specific societal imbalance regarding women’s rights under the rug. The reason why there is a need for “feminism” is because women have been oppressed, limited, held back or put down by others/society in so many ways for so long. And still are. There still needs to be push back against the status quo regarding women’s place in society. Sure, at the end of the day “feminism” is a form of advocating for equal rights for all…granting women the same rights, respect, self-determination, opportunity so long given to men leads to equal rights for both (and hopefully, all) genders. But there are special considerations IRT women’s rights (rape culture, pay discrimination, access to education and self-determination in some cultures, etc) that seem to get lost when someone puts it in a bucket with every kind of injustice.

      • bettyrose says:

        With you all the way North of B. I’m in full agreement with everything you said, but I’m “okay” with JGL in the sense that it’s more intelligent and less patronizing than the usual musings of Hollywood men on this topic. I also see some value in helping men feel that feminism suits their own goals, as well, which ultimately creates more social acceptance, less ridicule/scorn.

  3. mia girl says:

    Well Miss Perry, you wish you had a better education, right? Take note, JGL just schooled you.

  4. Jules says:

    This man is perfect. If I were only 20 years younger………….

  5. T.Fanty says:

    I don’t mean to be rude, but I’ve seen the advertising for Sin City. Can one really star in that movie and claim to understand feminism in any way? I love JGL, and what he has to say, but to say it while promoting Sin City seems a little, ummm, inconsistent.

    • maybeiamcrazy says:

      I think you are overestimating how much impact actor has over the final product.

      • T.Fanty says:

        Yes and no. He must have seen the original film when he signed on to this project. Or read the script. I don’t especially blame him, but I also think that a lot of people talk a big game when it comes to such issues, then continue to be part of an environment that produces visuals and ideas that are the complete anthesis to what they believe, and implicitly promote objectification, racism, etc… It’s those messages that matter more than what JGL says in an interview, in my opinion.

      • sigh((s)) says:

        Did he neglect to watch the first Sin City? No, he said the reason he took it was because he loved the first one so much. Apparently didn’t have a problem with the depiction of oppressed and over-sexed females then.

      • maybeiamcrazy says:

        I see your point but Sin City is based on a graphic novel. Graphic novels almost always objectify women. I loved the original movie and I will probably see this one in theatres I don’t believe it invalidates my feminism. Other than that I don’t think actors can be that picky. Every other project is sexist in Hollywood, at least this one is interesting and only sexist part of this movie objectification on women’s bodies. I find the movies where women are not given a character other than 1 or 2 personal traits much more sexist.

      • sigh((s)) says:

        The premise of their “character” being that they’re “strong” enough to fight for their business (prostitution) in which their income stream is dependent on men using their bodies. I would call that sexist.
        Hollywood is definitely one of the most sexist industries there is. No doubt. It’s hard to get work without being in something sexist. I just happen to think this is one of the more objectifying franchises.

      • Dame Snarkweek says:

        Not to split hairs but if the business in question is owned and operated by women it is a brothel. The men are using their bodies, so to speak, but the women are authoring the experience and its terms and so cease to be victims.
        Imo, of course.

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        The average Rom Com is more sexist and insulting to my intelligence than any Sin City movie imo.

      • sigh((s)) says:

        I’m sorry, I’ve never bought into the, prostitutes are strong women because they’re dictating terms, mentality. Now, if you’re saying that they can’t be called victims because they’re actively participating in their own degradation and profiting from it, then I agree.

      • lunchcoma says:

        Yeah, I think we can assume he knew what he was getting into. I don’t know that it’s a big deal he was in this movie, though.

      • sigh((s)) says:

        Okitt- love you and normally are on board with you on most things…sin city is way more insulting to my intelligence than any rom com. I realize it’s based on a graphic novel, but that doesn’t excuse it (or graphic novels) from being overly testosterone filled, misogynistic, sexist and solely written to be a man’s power trip/ control fantasy, disguised as being empowering to women because the women are “badass” ie, wearing no clothes and beating people up whilst throwing out profanity laden masculine dialogue.
        I know I contribute to the sexist Hollywood tripe. I like action, horror, pretty much anything really. But I can’t get behind sin city being less feminist than a rom com. At least in some more recent rom coms there’s at least been chicks who have intelligent jobs and get to keep their clothes on.

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        @sighs-we can respectfully disagree and continue to love and mutually respect each other (most importantly) whilst drinking coffee. 😉

        Here’s why I think rom coms are worse: they cater specifically to a female audience and the archaic, (excuse the drama) dangerous, and patriarchal preconceptions that they continue to promote are all conveniently wrapped up in a happy ending that women seem to eat up like it’s candy.

        Within the rom com genre exists SO many movies about unattractive losers finding love with beautiful women – Superbad, Knocked up, 40 year old virgin as well as a million sitcoms like King of Queens that perpetuate this scenario. Never the reverse though right?

        On top of that, the women are usually one-dimensional caricatures who’s entire existence involves falling for Mr. Wrong, staying in an abusive and unhappy relationship with Mr. Wrong, only to be gallantly saved by Mr. Right.
        The female lead is always portrayed as flighty, entirely lacking in common sense, and without any depth. It’s just not a flattering female portrait and it’s more harmful to me because it perpetuates a false narrative that seems to imbue (some) women with the idea that the right man is out there to save us from ourselves. It’s not empowering, it’s insulting.

        I guess I don’t see Sin City as worse because it’s not presented as anything other than a fictitious netherworld and the producers of the movie are not targeting women as their primary audience. If women go to see Sin City, they’re not going to be expecting rainbows and butterflies and strong female leads in full clothing. If women go to see a rom com, they might be looking for a sweet-but-vapid love story but miss the underlying sexism because it’s hidden in the “it’s all about LURVE!” storyline.

        In the former, the sexism is out there and easier to avoid if you want to. In the latter, the sexism is insidious and disguised as a fairytale, happy ending.

        Sorry for all the long comments. I’m having issues with brevity today.

      • maybeiamcrazy says:

        If a woman chooses to “sell” her body for money, it is her decision. I know there are many women who are forced into prostitution but the women in Sin City are doing it by their own choice. I don’t think sex workers being any less intelligent is given at all. As I wrote before, overly-dramatic boy crazy women in rom-coms are more insulting to me.

      • sigh((s)) says:

        I think rom coms in the past 10 years or so have done a much better job at having strong women at their core. I’ll take Miss Congeniality. She’s a strong woman, powerful job. Still sticks to her basic personality and moral belief system throughout the movie. Yes, they put her in dresses and shit and she finds her femininity, but I don’t necessarily see that as anti-feminist. I would see that as embracing both your masculine and feminine sides. She doesn’t quit her job in the end to be with him and let’s be real: Benjamin Bratt is prettier than Sandra Bullock.

        Also, Matthew Mcconaughey- prettier than Jennifer Lopez and Kate Hudson. Josh Lucas – prettier than Reese Witherspoon. I could go on.
        I will admit I really hate the ones where the completely ugly/stupid/lazy dude gets the hot chick. There are some really awful ones out there, no lie.
        Also, why do we never admit that a lot of people just like happy endings? And that in all these movies, the man is getting a happy ending as well? (Ha!)

    • sigh((s)) says:

      But, there are lots of female parts in Sin City.lots of opportunities for women there…
      😉

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        Yes except every women wears half the amount of clothing that the men wear, and uses her sexuality to manipulate and control. My comment below argues that just because something is sexist (and I agree with T. Fanty on her assessment of SC) doesn’t mean that the people who make it are sexist. They’re adhering to a particular genre-it’s their job to try to translate that style to a film format while keeping as close to the original story as possible.

        EDIT: Sorry if you were being sarcastic! I wasn’t sure 😉

      • sigh((s)) says:

        I was, hence the winky smiley. 🙂
        It doesn’t always look winky on my screen. Or maybe my eyes are starting to go…

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        Sorry Sighs. I haven’t had my coffee yet 😉

      • sigh((s)) says:

        Me either. :)-

    • littlemissnaughty says:

      Eh, I now what you mean but I think it’s incredibly hard to consistently stand up for and act according to all your beliefs. It’s not an excuse but sometimes you get tired and choose fun/money/convenience/security over your principles. I, for example, am very very critical of how our economy (I’m talking about a global perspective) essentially only works because Western countries enslave the poorest countries. And how people in Western countries feel in turn completely helpless in the face of so much power in the hands of so few. Yet when you look at where I work, you’d never know it. I sometimes excuse it with “Well, I’m completely replaceable here, I’m not important.” but really, most of the time I know I’m part of what I essentially reject. I wanted a job that paid the rent and didn’t see all that many options.

      JGL doesn’t need the money but maybe he was in it for the fun. Plus, let’s not forget that pretty girls can’t be funny. He’s not always the most consistent guy.

    • TheOriginalKitten says:

      True but Sin City is a graphic novel and the graphic novel genre or neo-noir, much like comic books, have never been known for being shining examples of feminism, really.

      I definitely think you can star in a movie like that and still be a feminist though.
      Hell I listen to hip-hop music and I’m a feminist. I wear short skirts and I’m a feminist. I watch horror movies and I’m a feminist.

      There are lot of forms of art that aren’t inherently feminist creations but just because one participates in or enjoys those art forms, doesn’t mean that they subscribe to the content within them.

      • sigh((s)) says:

        Not saying you can’t… Just thought the take was interesting given the movie he’s actively promoting. Maybe the interviewer was being deliberately cheeky and the joke flew right over his head.

      • t.fanty says:

        Just playing devil’s advocate here, as I loves me some OKitt, but surely by going to see such a movie, buying such music, we validate such assumptions in the only way that matters-by giving the producers money?

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        “surely by going to see such a movie, buying such music, we validate such assumptions in the only way that matters-by giving the producers money? ”

        Oh I completely agree, T. Fanty, absolutely. But my opinion (and it’s just my opinion) is that there’s a place for this form of entertainment. To me, a half-naked girl in a comic book is a lot less impactful to feminism than say, the Hobby Lobby decision. But I think you’d probably agree with me about that and your point remains that on a cumulative level, movies like this contribute to the objectification of women, and well…it’s surely not HELPING feminism, I agree with you there.

        That being said (and I understand/accept that a lot of women disagree with me on this), I will forever defend art forms (whether film, paintings, music) as a place where freedom should reign, even if that freedom welcomes misogynistic content.

        Should I climb into my safe bunker now? 😉

        Look, I don’t always listen to rap music for the lyrics, sometimes I just like a good beat, and I won’t stop listening to it just because I find some of the lyrics pretty atrocious, just like I won’t stop watching Von Trier movies because people claim that his films are misogynistic. Because to me, within Biggie’s raps and within Von Triers films are moments of brilliance.
        Just because a form of art can be seen as anti-feminist, doesn’t mean that it can’t be simultaneously moving or thought-provoking.

        Sometimes art is just imitating life. It’s a mirror which doesn’t always reflect the ideal image. I don’t mind that-I like a little grit, a little grime with my art. I think showing the ugly sometimes emphasizes the beautiful, but mostly I think it just shows the whole picture and feels more truthful to me.

        Sin City is supposed to be a seedy, dark and ugly place. I think sexism works well within that context. I guess it doesn’t bother me because it doesn’t seem misplaced or superfluous to me. If the idea is to show a place where evil dominates then showing men as the perpetrators and women as struggling victims doesn’t seem too far off-base.

    • Sixer says:

      I’m inclined to say that the practicality of life is a series of tooth-grindingly annoying compromises about what lines in the sand you draw for your principles. Just ask any ethical shopper (hello, I’m one of those) let alone any actor.

      There’s also the argument that simply behaving as a feminist (or non-racist or non-homophobe) within sexist (or institutionally racist or whatever) environments, you’re doing more good than you would by boycotting. Is the best change from within or without? I don’t know.

      If I was going to take exception to anything he said, it would just be this sodding infuriatingly mealy-mouthed way celebrities, even feminist celebrities, have of defining feminism. They always put in some Alain de Uphisbottom nonsense about being free to be oneself. It always comes across to me like a denial that inequality exists. It’s not hard for heavens sakes. It’s quite straightforward. Can’t they just be direct about it? They can paraphrase Wikipedia if they like.

      “Feminism is about achieving equal political, economic, cultural, and social rights for women. Of course I’m a feminist. What right-thinking person wouldn’t be?”

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        You always articulate things so perfectly. Help me better at that!

        I often detect a whiff of mansplaining when men talk about feminism. That being said, I aim to support any dude that proclaims himself a feminist, because we need more of that.

      • mg says:

        “…the practicality of life is a series of tooth-grindingly annoying compromises about what lines in the sand you draw for your principles.”

        This is so perfect it brought tears to my eyes (fellow ethical/environmentally conscious shopper, vegetarian human-and-animal-lover, and health-care provider). Thanks.

      • I Choose Me says:

        I think I just fell in love with a comment. Sixer you are a gem.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        Very well stated, Sixer.

    • lunchcoma says:

      Can one watch and enjoy the movie and have any understanding of feminism? A great deal of art is problematic in some way. Most feminists I know of both genders have to engage in some complicated process of deciding what’s so far out there it’s offensive and what has value despite not being perfect. I suspect JGL does it to the same extent everyone does, and I don’t know that Sin City is so much more problematic than so many other things produced in Hollywood.

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        *nodding head*

        But theoretically (emphasis on theoretically), art is created to be evocative, to spark a reaction. That’s really the raison d’etre for art (in the traditional sense). It’s a visual communication that often times has no real, clear-cut message.

        In college I remember seeing a fellow student’s painting that was really…repulsive, some may have even deemed it “misogynistic”. It stirred something in me–repulsion, disgust, and fear. It was an uncomfortable feeling, but I will NEVER forget that painting. It impacted me, it made me think, and left me feeling sad inside.
        It moved me.

        I don’t look at that as a bad experience, but rather a turning point in my art career. The content of the painting was surprising and frightening, but should it not exist because some might say that it is misogynistic?
        The painting served its purpose: it didn’t make me think anything, there was no clear message, but it made me FEEL.

        I guess that’s why I’ll always be ok with art as a place where unsavory things are allowed to exist, even things as awful as rom coms 😉

  6. Tiffany27 says:

    Ngl, I have had a crush on him I’ve been trying to shake for years.

  7. Lilacflowers says:

    He does go on to explain that he understands the history of oppression and fewer opportunities for women. He gets it.

    Love the interesting choices JGL as both an actor and producer.

  8. Nikki says:

    Sigh …. I just love this guy. He can do no wrong in my eyes.

  9. Senaber says:

    I like it! more men should care about issues affecting women. I would love to see him as robin, as dark knight rises suggested. Whatever happened to that?

  10. Deniz says:

    Um… I think I’m in love.

  11. Leaflet says:

    I love this. This lesson on feminism was probably taught to him by his mother, who also made sure her last name was added in to JGL’s father’s last name. That shows that she stood for equality there. Also, whenever he is asked about the hyphenation of his last name, he always brings up the fact that his mother didn’t feel it right for his father’s name to live on and hers not to, so she hyphenated the name to add hers. GO JGL AND JANE! It sure is good to hear a man speak to the effect of women being an oppressed group. It sure feels like society wants people to believe the Feminists were some sort of hate group. Glad to see a man stand up and confirm the goals the Feminism movement stood for, and for him to proudly say he is a Feminist. Love this. It appears that some young women’s mothers never taught them the importance of feminism. Every father and mother should teach their children (both male and female) the importance of gender equality. I don’t know why it is that every equal rights group has been demonized throughout history, especially in these days and time) to be seen as groups of hateful people trying to force themselves and their views on others. This kind of teaching done from the hateful, opposing side was created to demonize equal rights groups. Everything they teach is a farce and those too lazy to do any research to see the significances of equal rights laws should be ashamed of themselves for going along with it.

    • Lolo-ology says:

      Seriously! Yeah his mom is politically badass. She inspires me to want to raise a son like him! And I’m only one day younger than JGL. 🙂 I’m not obsessed!

      And on the tendency to demonize equal right groups- I think that’s just the (inequitable) status quo pushing back against the threat that seeks to dismantle their privilege.

    • sonalaceae (Nighty) says:

      In the US one only takes the father’s last name? In Portugal everyone has both surnames, mother and father’s… I think it’s actually compulsory… I have both my mum’s and my dad’s as well as everyone I know…

      • Leaflet says:

        @ Nighty,
        Yes, the child only takes the father’s name. Also, in some cases when a woman gets married, if she doesn’t take the husband’s last name or hyphenates her last name, she can be seen as her having a sense of arrogance or defiance or disloyalty towards her new husband. You would be surprised at how many women believe that taking the surname of their husband is the only way to show loyalty in their loyalty ceremony (marriage). I actually used to work in the same building as a female city council member who had loads of gumption because she had swapped surnames with her hubby, meaning he took her last name and she took his. She got a lot of respect from both men and women on the council because of it.

      • sigh((s)) says:

        How does that work if everyone has multiple or hyphenated surnames? I’m really asking.
        If Susie Jones-Smith marries Tom Costa-Suarez, then would their kid be Jane jones-smith-costa-Suarez? If you don’t keep all the names, which ones get the shaft?

      • Leaflet says:

        @ Sigh(s),
        That’s putting a bit too much thought into it, lol. No, it would be a super long surname, it’s just that people would have more of a socially acceptable right of choice and the choice would be more common. Also, as Nighty stated about Portugal using the practice of both surnames being utilized. I’m sure they don’t have the problem of having weirdly long hyphenated surnames.

      • sonalaceae (Nighty) says:

        We don’t hyphenize names, but we have both surnames. For instance : Isabella Jones Suarez… (whatever) – Jones being the mom’s and Suarez the dad’s… I have two first names and 2 surnames… If I get married and have a kid, my kid will have my last surname and my husband’s last surname: Using the example given, my son would get Suarez from me and a second surname from his dad…

      • sonalaceae (Nighty) says:

        Sorry, hyphenate.. just made up a verb.. 🙁 ihihihih

      • Leaflet says:

        @ Sigh(s) & @ Nighty,
        That is supposed to read: “No. It would not be”, my phone likes changing my words, lol. It doesn’t have to be hyphenated either. It being more acceptable in American society for men to take women’s last names, or them being able to decide which one they like better would make a huge difference. I mean, I used to work around a lady who got married and came back to the office with the surname ‘Mo head’. I kid you not. Some people in the office refused to call her by her new last name because they couldn’t get sexual innuendos out of their heads. It was laughable and disconcerting at best. I mean, I felt dirty just saying it. She later admitted that she didn’t like it either but did it out if pledging loyalty to her husband. Also, some Americans could allow for their last names to be their kids maiden name like Nighty suggested. 🙂

  12. Jenny12 says:

    Need. More. Guys. Like. THIS.

  13. Gaby says:

    I am SO in love with him!

  14. Blythe says:

    Every time I see Joey’s photo pull up on the homepage, I have a mini-heart attack because I think Celebitchy is reporting him getting engaged to his girlfriend. That day will come and if it’s not me, I’ll be disappointed.

  15. AnnaMae says:

    I just read that his little hitrecord TV show won an Emmy. You go Joe!!!

  16. itsets says:

    Eloquent and smart. Feminism – it doesn’t define what you can and cannot do based on your gender.
    He obviously understands what feminism is becauase he calls himself one. Most men think that feminism represented by an angry man hating woman.

  17. Insomniac says:

    OK. I love JGL, but I can NOT see him as Morpheus. Not even a little bit. Sorry.

  18. Kelly says:

    As someone with Delirium tattooed on her arm, I cannot contain my excitement for JGL and Sandman!!!!!!!

  19. Lola says:

    I think he is great! and handsome too.
    Has anyone participated in HitRecord? (That is the name right?) How does it work?

    • Yasmin says:

      I have, it’s great fun! There are themes on the website, so I read through to see if any resonate with me. I draw a lot but I’m not really good at much else, so I’ll submit my drawings to the website and then someone can colour them and add bits to them, then someone else can animate them to make a little story, then someone can watch that animation and write dialogue, and then someone else can record themselves doing a voice-over of that dialogue, and someone else will record music to go in the background, so everyones individual skills are going towards making something really cool. I love it because I’m not multi-talented and all these people help me bring my stupid little drawings to life and make something sooo much better than I could on my own, it’s all really collaborative.

  20. Josefa says:

    Eh I just have an irrational dislike for this guy. His face is just so… punchable.

    But he does make a good point about feminism. How refreshing for a Hollywood actor to make sense when talking about the topic.

  21. occur1313 says:

    This guy is getting hotter and smarter by the minute

  22. Lucy says:

    Oh Joe, how I love thee.

  23. phlyfiremama says:

    Feminism also means not letting OTHER peoples gender, or perceptions of gender, define you as well.