New York Magazine’s The Cut had a fascinating piece this week about “male feminists.” It’s what I’ve been saying for a while – I enjoy the fact that the ladies are getting questions about feminism, equal pay and all of that, but I dislike the fact that the questions are only being asked of celebrity women. The Cut tried to right that wrong, and they compiled a list of men reacting to the question “Are you a feminist?” Just know, I tried doing Google searches on some of these quotes to see if they were all recent, and I think that they are. Meaning, I don’t think The Cut pulled these quotes from random interviews done years ago. You can read the full piece here, and here are some of the more interesting reactions to “Are you a feminist?”
Jason Momoa: “I wasn’t raised by a man. I was raised by a single mother my whole life. It’d be ridiculous for me to say that I didn’t believe in it. They’re the strongest beings in the world.”
Salman Rushdie: “Yes. What else is there to be? Everything else is being an a–hole. These are your choices. I have three sisters, and no brothers. In my family it is all women, and they are very strong, opinionated, professional women, and the idea that they would be in some way disadvantaged by comparison to men was just ludicrous, and if you had tried to suggest it to them you’d have got hit. So I learned it early.”
Anthony Mackie: “That’s a very strange concept to me, and I don’t think I know enough about it to answer that question.”
Cheyenne Jackson: “A feminist? Of course. I mean all of the things that being a feminist stands for. I very much liken it to being a gay man. We have always been like, Hey, what about me? It’s the same kind of thing. Little by little it’s coming along.”
Harrison Ford: “Yeah, because I like women and I respect women.”
Zachary Quinto: “I think the idea of being a feminist is evolving in our world. Especially now, with these movements toward equality of all kinds, I feel like I don’t limit it to feminism, I just sort of consider myself a humanist, I imagine.”
Kelsey Grammer: “Oh gosh. Oh yeah, I’ve always been a feminist. I think that feminism includes just being proud and comfortable in your skin as a woman and a man being comfortable in his skin. That’s where I live with it. I’m a huge supporter of women.”
Denis O’Hare: “Absolutely. I always have been. I think it’s shocking how much more work we have to do. Someone like Paul Ryan who can actually say that he’ll take a job only if they will allow him to spend more time with his family — well, what woman gets to do that? Does she get to negotiate that same package with her job or is she told to take a hike? We have a long way to go. We need a woman president. It’s about time, as an example.”
Matt McGorry: “Oh, absolutely. In my understanding, it’s like what it might be like to be a Catholic. You can be like, Oh, I’m a Catholic; I go to church once a year. Or you can be the pope. … Ultimately, if there were as many male feminists as there are female feminists, we wouldn’t need to be fighting for equality.”
Darren Aronofsky: “Yes. Absolutely, of course. It’s a stupid question. Sorry.” [Walks away.]
Anthony Mackie’s answer is NO BUENO. Of course, he’s the same guy who thinks it’s totally cool to say that a woman’s job is “to make daddy a sandwich.” I think the most surprising person might be Kelsey Grammer? I wasn’t expecting that answer from him, given his politics and his history with women. My favorite answer might be Salman Rushdie’s though! And hey, at least 90% of these answers are better than Meryl Streep’s answer to the same exact question.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
I guess Mackie saying he doesn’t know enough is still better than Shailene Woodley saying that she isn’t a feminst because she likes men.
Yeah. He is not a feminist. Mackie has said really sexist things about women in the past.
I wouldn’t mind Mackie’s answer if he didn’t have a…history. No, he’s a tool alright and frankly I hope Falcon crashes into something hard in the next Marvel movie.
At least my Han Solo love can continue 😍
It was a moment of ‘ugh’ followed by ‘well, ok’.
Considering everything Mackie has said, no he’s not a feminist, but at last even in his ignorance he gave a better answer than Meryl Streep.
From what I’ve seen of Mackie it is pretty clear he has very traditional gender roles in his own life and relationship.
I guess tho in a way, while I disagree with it, I do in part respect that he doesn’t just lie and pander to the audience!Not that I’m saying the others are just fair enough to stick to his guns
Love Harrison Ford’s answer. Of course Han Solo is a feminist!
leia – i love you
han solo – i know
man, he sure was (IMO) a pantie dropper
oh wait, am I not supposed to leave that kind of comment on here? lol
I LOVE Matt McGorry! He’s so aware and there’s always action to go along with his words.
Anthony Mackie 😑😑😑 just what I expected.
Anthony Mackie won’t stop talking and I don’t get why that is 🙁
But Huzzah For Salman Rushdie , Jason and co.
QQ uggggggh I know! As my mom used to say when we used to argue as kids “Shut those lips!” Just stop talking, Anthony!
I can’t believe that I ever thought Anthony Mackie was cute and charming. I will not be seeing anything else he’s in unless it’s an ensemble cast and his screen time is limited. I hope he has a publicist and that they tell him to just shhhhhhhhh!
Agreed, shut up Mackie! Just stand there and look pretty, doll. 😛
Rushdie just nailed it. Love it!
I almost stood up and clapped. He and McGorry are great.
And Denis O’Hare
I was about to say, don’t forget Denis O’Hare. I loved his response too.
Glad that I now know what to think of Mackie. Idiot.
Side-eye Anthony Mackie. Yeah, I see you. I hope he at least makes the attempt to get informed now that the question has been posed to him.
Harrison Ford and McGorry’s response were my favourites.
Seriously, he thinks his wife is there to make him a sandwich. I guess he’s lost.
And yet Kelsey doesn’t believe women should have a say over their own bodies.
You read my mind.
Why do you say that about Kelsey. I am not supporting him ,I really just want to know what he has said about women’s bodies etc
Kelsey is a proud anti- choice supporter & instagrammed himself wearing some dumb t-shirt about it.
but nowdays its only about paying lipservice! dont do anything, work actively against women but please say the f word and we’ll love you.
Kelsey Grammer’s answer is a great example of why we shouldn’t act like anyone who embraces the term is some kind of feminist hero.
There’s no shortage of people out there who proudly call themselves feminists whilst not just not contributing, but actively holding back the cause. Conversely a lot of people who refuse the label are out there doing amazing things that further the goals of feminism. The word itself is meaningless if you can’t back it up with actions.
Yep.
Yup. All he really said was “ladies should feel free to be ladies and men should be happy to be men,” which usually indicates either a very weak understanding of feminism as a political, economic, and social movement, or serves as the basic conservative lip service to equality of the sexes that (bonus!) simultaneously serves as a dog whistle to the gender essentialists.
Absolutely, Grammar’s comment compared to O’Hare who actually made a political point about how men are being applauded for things that are disregarded when it comes to women.
Yes, his answer is pretty piss poor, especially in comparison with most of the other men here, who clearly get it. I especially love those that noted how stupid it is to not have the answer be an automatic yes.
yes as i wrote down below the term is now worthless. celebs pretty much HAVE to say it now just like Hollywood always talks about how anti racist and progressive they are, well exepct all of their movies and every person in power, eh?
it would have been a lot better to not ask celebs those questions. its only done damage.
“[…] just being proud and comfortable in your skin as a woman and a man being comfortable in his skin. That’s where I live with it. I’m a huge supporter of women.” OK, first off, thanks for letting me be comfortable; I think from his limited point of view this may actually sound reasonable (thanks for trying?). What the last sentence – and the distinct subjective separation in other sentences – really sounds like to me, though, is: “You’re a different class of people. Men matter more, which is why I see myself in the position to say these sorts of things. Let me give you my blessing.” Yay. Condescending, that’s what it is. On the really positive side: I thought O’Hare’s answer was great. And Aronofsky’s.
As a humanist, I just want to point out again that humanism is about a response to theism. NOT feminism.
Thank you!!
Let’s not even go there. It’ll fry their brains. Humanist just sounds so much better than feminist, why bother with the concept itself? I mean they could – theoretically – just Wikipedia that sh*t but … there is “art” to make.
I just did that and posted here. It took me like 3 seconds. UGH
Ugh. Thank you for this! I never understood humanism to be related to feminism in any way shape or form.
Humanism is not a political movement, it is a secular and philosophical way of thinking, a rejection of theism.
Not to mention, that was a very “All Lives Matter” sort of an answer. Why do people think that working to lift up a group that needs lifting is somehow threatening to the groups that do not? Or even to other groups that do?
I definitely see where you are coming from here. (this comment gets crazy long and not specifically directed at you tealily but more the conversation at large)
For me, it is actually harder to hear this from a gay man (or any man) than a woman, as bizarre as it sounds – perhaps esp because white gay men in the last few years (at least in the US) have had a sort of analogous position to more privileged feminists in that they have the most visibility of the LGBT movement and therefore often navigate the narrative. it shows their obvious hypocrisy.
Of course, we understand what people are saying when they claim to be not quite “feminist” but “humanist” as if it encompasses that and more – indeed it does seem as a sort of “All lives matter argument” which is why we have a negative reaction to it, in addition to it not being the ‘right’ terminology
I also think it’s crucial to shed light on, or be aware of the different REASONS why women would not feel aligned with the word “feminism”
the “I’m not a feminist because I love men” is sad to hear in this day and age – but for a multitude of reasons, one being that they feel the need to stress it. Why? because social structures have long told, subtly or oppressively, that women must be non-threatning above all.
a quite different thing but another crucial understanding of rejecting/not feeling feminist label-
for a lot of women, women that perhaps don’t vocalize it but upon hearing it feel an itch it their throats and ribs that this is not the word they would use…this comes with the history of the 20th century feminist movement – led by predominantly white, sometimes specifically exclusionary voices and ideas.
So I see a huge difference between women of color, or who come from abroad, a strict religious upbringing, or under’privileged’ background feeling different from that primary narrative not identifying with feminism – this is perhaps intertwined with that first issue, but not necessarily. It doesn’t mean they are ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ but simply that there is a historical and socio-political foundation between the dis-ease certain women feel in identifying as such, or the lack of belonging to this crucial seemingly basic, easy to understand belief in equality. Because for them – it has symbolized perhaps an equality that does not represent them and they therefore feel unwelcome in. I come from a multicultural family and although I have predominantly European ancestry, I also have family members who are not white and I see firsthand the reasons why some of these women have not aligned themselves with this movement as they have faced the oppression and inequality not just of being a women, but firstly of being of color, or for those in other situations dealing with certain social or economic situations and feeling that the kinds of experiences they have had are perhaps very different.
I think this is beginning to change – in fact I see many more women who are not from primarily “privileged” backgrounds (be it by race or economic position) identifying with a kind of feminism that is more all encompassing and complex and increasingly available and in exposure.
which is to me why, seeing women in positions of comfort/obvious access to information pushing feminism away for a reason so trivial, so removed from this other struggle, far from even being aware of their privilege within this movement they decry they choose to give an answer of “loving men” as being incongruent with feminism? Yes, it seems offensive. and I understand why it is upsetting and aggravating to many.
I still don’t think shaming these women is the right way to go…instead to listen, and in turn keep discussing they why’s and exposing more voices that have clarity and understanding of the issues. AND YES- asking MEN, put them in this illusionary twisted hot seat and see how they react, and educate those who are too self involved to know anything about feminism in 2015.
so there are reasons why certain women don’t exactly identify as feminists though their actions may speak louder than that label – and perhaps it right to not jump down these women throats every time and assume (if they haven’t made it explicitly obvious) that their reasoning is explicitly out of willfull ignorance or neglect to the issues. one example – Salma Hayek. I assure you, I know first hand the discrimination she has faced as a woman in the industry and in her life…but most of it stemming/ in relation to her ethnicity, sexualizing and objectifying it – so indeed it has to do with the unequal view of a woman but it also has to do with misrepresentation and mistreatment of minorities in Hollywood, as her fight has long been aligned with men and women in positions of minority long before feeling like she belonged in the label of feminism she was aware of and DESPITE being a powerful woman’s advocate bringing about positive change and attention to feminist issues. There are many other examples like this
and then of course there are women (and many many men) who sincerely just don’t care to know enough, but I would say this is a smaller minority in women than we think, the very privileged few who haven’t had to bother noticing. again, very few are JUST this. which is why in these situations I think what is most helpful is letting the women speak and express their complicated feelings to the issue – and realize that misogyny is entrenched and ingrained in such a way that women internalize their need to please and it is always the fault of young women for not being exposed to this, judgement is not the key to changing the movement – but acceptance of duality and complexity and hearing WHY the woman doesn’t feel aligned with word, perhaps pressing her on it kindly but with curiosity will bring about more kindness and curiosity towards their own complex histories.
doesn’t rlly apply for men above puberty, or even women over 50 who have grown up with privilege, education and access to information – THAT is indeed willful ignorance and though I try my best not to judge and I think I’ve gotten to place that I don’t feel active negativity, I see why it is hugely upsetting to people…it does make me lose some respect – not because they are ‘less’ of a person, but because they have had ample opportunity for illumination on the issue, an issue that is often clouded to those in the trenches of patriarchy either too young, too “Other” by Western standards, or lacking in resources or influences.
anyways. sorry for tangenting…
Starts playing “When The Saints Go Marching In” on a boom box.
PREACH!
Thank you, I wrote my comment before seeing yours. That’s exactly what it is. If I was a famous person, considering media is asking this question I would read about it and try to understand it enough to give a decent answer.
Yeah, Meryl Streep made the same moronic remark. This stuff just makes you want to bang your head on the table. Just stick to acting. Thanks.
* me = feminist, atheist + NOT a humanist. I don’t believe in a superior nature of the human species or in the progress of ‘humankind’.
I have to respectfully disagree.
You’re right that “humanist” originally meant something else, but language evolves. So many people use “humanist” when they mean “egalitarian” that I’m at the point of just accepting it, and taking it how they mean it.
The thing is, if you look up the history of the word, the religious humanism you all seem to be talking about isn’t the original meaning either. Religious humanism is from the 19th century. The original humanists were 15th century scholars rebelling against the dominance of Aristotelian scholarship, and interested in promoting other subjects: grammar, history, philosophy and poetry. (That’s why we still call those subjects the humanities.)
Since your definition isn’t the original one, complaining that “new” use is wrong seems a bit unfair. The context makes it clear what they mean, so why quibble over semantics?
Jason Momoa, HAVE MY BABIES. Eh… Eh hem. Sorry. I’ll compose myself.
I’m very encouraged by the amount of “absolutely” and “of course” on this list. These are happy tidings– hurray!
Moma is so hot. But he didn’t say he was a feminist he just said it would be ridiculous of him to not believe in it.
I would rather for Mackie to say he doesn’t know enough about it then spew off comments on something he doesn’t know about like some do.
Kelsey Grammar may be an arse when it came to the way he ended his marriage but I do believe he is a feminist. I loved the fact that he produced two popular shows with the majority of the cast being Black. Those shows were Girlfriends and The Game. He also was a producer on Medium. All three shows had female leads. Thanks Grammar.
Oh my god, I loved Girlfriends.
I had no idea he produced those! My estimation of him just went up a couple points.
Sometimes people make me so conflicted and he’s one of them.
Without him we wouldn’t have had a TV show about smart, strong, beautiful black women without stereotype…and yet his constant whining and conservatism bordering on the absurd is baffling.
What?! I had no idea he produced those shows.
Yup, the moment I found about Kelsey producing Girlfriend show. He gained alot of respect from me. He still has a way to go in improving overall, but dude ain’t all bad.
Just because Mamoa didn’t actually say he was a feminist doesn’t mean he isn’t one. Believing in and being a feminist can be the same thing. at least I took him saying he believed in feminism as he was a feminist.
I love this. It doesn’t mean all is well now (and … Kelsey Grammar?) but it’s just a nice moment to sit here and enjoy that men (celebrities) CAN give good answers to the question. It’s like a nice cup of tea in the afternoon. Doesn’t save the entire day but for five minutes, you feel a little better.
What’s with Quinto though? Didn’t see that coming. Did Meryl get to him? Can someone make sure that every reporter has these quotes ready next time a celeb gives a dumb answer to this question?
Dude, here’s thing thing:
This is dumb. Yeah, I said it. Kelsey Grammar is a fine actor, but he’s a Republican who is very openly pro-life. But since he uses the label, is that okay?
This is what I’m talking about all the time to people. I could care less about the label. Want to call yourself a feminist? Cool. Don’t want to? Cool too. I judge by ACTIONS. That’s it. I don’t know why people fixate on why people do or don’t call themselves feminists. Why not just focus on what they, you know, do? Isn’t that actually easier?
I agree up to a point but my issue with the label is that I want to know the reasons someone rejects it. It’s become a thing to tiptoe around it, wanting to be considered a supporter of equal rights without alienating those who equate feminist with manhater. THAT p*sses me off. You either support equal right or you don’t. I would have more respect for someone who does not and says so openly than for someone (let’s face it, mostly women) who really does want to be paid the same as her male counterpart but is too chickensh*t to use the label because gosh, then maybe the mens won’t find her attractive anymore. Put on your big girl panties and own it then. And follow through with actions.
Damn girl, and yes.
Here here!! We need to judge people by their actions, not just a sound bite on a press line. It’s awesome this question is being asked more, because that means more conversations will happen, but actions are always more important than words.
agree – see crazypants long comment above. there are many reasons why a woman will reject a feminist label and it doesn’t make it ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ per se. Let her actions speak for her…those are representations of the true beliefs and feelings. It is actually much easier for a typical men to call himself a feminist, without carrying the baggage of why some women may reject it, and still be lauded without doing anything or even dreaming of sacrificing anything that benefits his own position of privilege.
my thoughts exactly. again words are seen as more important than actions. hey im fine if a guy is not devoting his entire life to womens rights but then also dont say you are a feminist.
if i always rent a huge yacht each summer but BELIEVE in preserving the environment am i an environmentalist? oh wait Leo DiCaprio is seen as one. again words and a pretty face will take you further than people actually doing work for decades.
I love almost all of them (ahem Mackie, although I’m considering giving him a chance, since he at least admitted not knowing enough about it).
Oh Kelsey G, a huge supporter of women, unless she chooses to terminate a pregnancy, then she’s equated with murderer. Sure, Kelsey, you’re a HUGE supporter of women.
I hope Aronofsky is saying it’s a stupid question because, duh, who wouldn’t be a feminist. I wasn’t sure how to read that one.
“Darren Aronofsky: “Yes. Absolutely, of course. It’s a stupid question. Sorry.” [Walks away.]” Perfection.
I know. He’s the smartest of the bunch. Blows his mind it’s even a question. love it.
You can be pro-life and still consider yourself feminist.
Very true.
I disagree completely, at least on the voting level. One cannot vote anti-choice and proclaim to be a feminist, you just can’t.
I disagree with you. Because I’m against abortion I can’t be a feminist? Really? I have to agree with everything related to feminism?
I think you can be pro-life and be a feminist. Obviously you can. But if you VOTE pro-life, in this current political culture, you are voting against women. The Republicans are waging a war against women; make no mistake about that.
I agree Claire, the number of women’s clinics being shutdown here in Texas just because they offer the procedure is heartbreaking and very anti-women.
if you dont think women should have autonomy over their own bodies you are not a feminist. you can make the choice for yourself but if yuo like Grammer support anti choice laws you are not a feminist.
thats not “agreeing with everything related to feminism” is about the basics of feminism.
then again i dont understand what you wouldnt agree with related to feminism.
@Go girl. Exactly
Just because I might not agree with everything related to feminism doesn’t mean I’m not a feminist. Does it means I’m not a Democrat because I don’t believe in every single thing Democrats support?
Eh…I’m not sure. I certainly think one can be pro-life and feminist on a personal level. I am! I know, in my heart, that I could never, ever go through an abortion. Ever. I’ve had plans drawn up in the event a pregnancy event incapacitates me to direct the doctors to prioritize saving my child before me. Like, I believe in that stuff.
But voting to outlaw abortion across the board? I tend to think not. Because if history has taught us anything, it’s that women will always try to end pregnancies. As much as we might want that not to be true, it is. And outlawing it only makes it unsafe. And that will lead to women dying or being maimed. And on a macro level, I just can’t reconcile saying you care about women but then voting in a way that guarantees some women will die or be maimed. I just really can’t see that.
You CAN be pro-life and be a feminist…so long as you understand that your choice should not dictate anyone else’s.
Something as personal and private as what a woman does concerning her body and her life should not be up for national debate, especially when the discussion is mostly controlled by a ruling class of men (straight, white) that are ultimately never in the same position as the woman.
Exactly – it’s all about the decision being your own, whatever that decision may be.
Well said!
I can’t speak for Grammar but do you think every Republican is voting against pro-life? Do you belive that every Democrat would vote for Obama Care just because they are democrats. I can support a certain party but not be on board with everything they stand for. There are some feminist groups that I don’t want to be a part of, especially the ones were racism is involved. Let’s not forget that feminism has many different layers to it.
I could be a civil rights activist but not agree with some of the things the activist do or say.
Most Republicans vote with the party – no shocker. And every single Republican candidate running for POTUS right now makes anti-abortion ideas part of their platform. So no matter who they vote for, they must vote for one of them. There are a small number of Republicans who are pro-choice or who simply don’t care much about the abortion issue. But they are the minority. Right now, to really rise in the party, they must espouse anti-abortion views. That’s just how it is.
I get where you’re coming from, V4Real, and thanks for the info about Grammar-had no idea.
I know this might not be fair but it bothers me so much more when it’s a man who is anti-choice. I also second the comments above that point out the difference between being anti-choice on a personal level and anti-choice in the voting booth.
of course there are different feminist groups but you cant deny a woman the control over her own body and still think you are a feminist. you cant be an atheist and believe the church should have special rights.
but when i now think about this the term is so watered down nowadays saying “I am feminists” means as much as “i ate toast this morning”
If by being pro-life you mean you would never get an abortion but do not support attempts to take that right away from other women and girls, then yes, you can be pro-life in that way and still be a feminist.
Huh? I’m an atheist and I don’t have a problem with churches having special rights. They’re a great form of support for those that do believe. I’d much rather have churches not get taxed than have them be taxed and then have those taxes spent on war machines.
Denis O’Hare makes a great point about Paul Ryan. I really like his answer.
I love his answer! I didn’t know his name until I Googled him just now and realized who he was. He’s been saying some really cool things in his interviews for American Horror Story, I have a bit of a brain crush on him now.
That’s Russell Eddington thankyouverymuch! I loved him in True Blood.
Matt McGorry’s answer is great, and Darren Aronofsky’s made me laugh.
Zachary Quinto’s answer is a bit off putting.
Indeed.
Yep. It’s too pat. Too trying not to offend. And as others have pointed out, he doesn’t get that humanism has to do with the rejection of theism and is not parallel to feminism.
It’s also framing feminism as exclusionary, which it is not.
I’m disappointed that it”s the youngish men who don’t get it. or parse their answers. it shows how backwards we are moving. not just in this regard, but in other instances where we thought we had solved/resolved the question and going forward we were going to be enlightened.
I’d expect an old fogey like Harrison to parse his words because he comes from a place that had practical gender problems eg woman being refused their own back accounts without the need for a male co-signatory or guarantor.
I definitely don’t expect parsed responses from Anthony Mackie who has grown up in a world when we are now up to equal pay as opposed to trying to get back accounts. a world were equal rights doesn’t need explanation or serious academic study – [sidebar…when did equal rights turn into academic subject? it should be as easily understood as breathing, but i guess when you want to confuse people so that you don’t acknowledge them….]
If you’ve read any interview by Anthony Mackie you would 100% expect a parse worded interview. To be honest I’m happy he didn’t offer some terribly unfunny attempt at a catchphrase like “I’m a feminist so long as dinners on the table by 6!”
I’d like to add that it’s a real shame that he’s so consistently ass-backwards in his thinking because he is so damn fine.
…..but that’s my exact point. If Harrison Ford said that, we’d all go….’well he is old’, ‘a fogey’, ‘that’s the world he grew up in’. Blah, blah,blah Nothing to see here.
I’m forever disappointed that Anthony Mackie or Zachary Quinto, both of whom grew up in a more progressive world, where there is no doubt about women’s rights would parse their answers or give a backwards argument as if they are being presented with a new law of physics that’s not been tested or is simply passing vogue.
And it’s these kinds of parsed answer that bring about an atmosphere that allows laws to be repealed or for a Rush Limburgh to demonize a movement. The young ones won’t stand up for rights that were fought for. Instead they allow them to be demonized which leads to women rejecting a label and actions they should wear proudly because to do so means going against the herd, especially men.
I hate that people can question feminism as if we are putting forward some poisonous ideology that will harm society such that to belong one has to give it extra consideration and study. Why? Why is it so radical to think that woman are human beings? Why do we have to educate ourselves on the notion that women are human beings? Why? Why? Why?
I agree with your point that it’s a shame younger men aren’t more aware and informed on the topic. In Mackie’s case though I don’t even think it’s a connection to his youth. Mackie has given interviews on everything from racism, to his work, to his attitude towards women and dating and he. is. consistently. IGNORANT.
Listening to Mackie is like being transported back to the 40’s. I don’t know whether to blame his upbringing or what but he really comes across as the most ignorant self-hating type of individual. He’s the male Raven Symone.
The other men though, I have hope for them. Maybe there wasn’t a huge push for them to really look up this topic and be informed before but with interviews like this and their own general level of awareness I think they’ll greatly improve. Matt for instance has done a lot to discuss women’s rights and perception in society. He has a sense of humor about the whole thing and is willing to stake his name alongside larger projects involving feminism. But Mackie? Feels like a lost cause.
Zachary Quinto, Humanism “is a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and generally prefers critical thinking and evidence (rationalism, empiricism) over unthinking acceptance of dogma or superstition. (…) Generally, however, humanism refers to a perspective that affirms some notion of human freedom and progress. In modern times, humanist movements are typically aligned with secularism, and as of 2015 “Humanism” typically refers to a non-theistic life stance centred on human agency and looking to science rather than revelation from a supernatural source to understand the world.” IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH RIGHTS!
I’m sorry but I feel like throwing my laptop to a wall whenever someone says they are not feminists but humanists. I just can’t with it. I need some tea to calm down. *breathing into a paper bag*
Denis Freaking O’Hare.
Damn.
I love it when someone can make my jaw drop by being insightful AND aware of current events. I was impressed before, I’m over the moon now.
Liked him on True Blood, loved him when he performed An Iliad here. That he gets it just makes him that much more wonderful
My respect for O’Hare increased twentyfold.
He’s one hell of a good actor, and seems like an awesome guy.
I’ve already professed my affection for Denis upthread, but he seems like such a cool cat I’m going to do it again here!
I already loved Denis O’Hare from American Horror Story. I think I love him even more now.
Mackie is a misogynistic tool.
Thank you for finding another reason to bring more Momoa to my life.
I could stare at Momoa for hours & not get bored. This is my only contribution to the discussion.
@KBeth: hahahahahaha. I never thought about it, but it’s true!
“Yes. What else is there to be? Everything else is being an a–hole.”
I want this on a t-shirt.
Mackie…what’s so hard to understand? Do you think women should have full equal rights? Yes or no.
The answer is no. They should make less at work so they must marry and should be subservient to men. That is how men like him think. I mean really, who wouldn’t want an indentured servant? It’s reason women are oppressed the world over.
Good, then we’ll need a new term. he constant pushing of celebs to identify as feminists has seriously damaged the term because now everyone will have to say it. look at Kelsey Grammer.
it’ll be the new “i am not a racist, but…” “im a feminist, but i dont think women should work outside the home”
how about asking people what they are DOING instead of pressuring them to put a label on something without ever doing anything or like Grammer actively working against women?
but seen lots of answers here what most women seem to want is men who pay lipservice but wont do anything. saying the F word is good enough…
Again: SELF LABELING MEANS NOTHING.
But here’s the thing: they ARE doing something. Any time a man in the public eye proudly proclaims that he’s a feminist, he’s doing “something”—even better if it’s a celebrity that young men and women look up to or want to emulate. When the term “feminist” is normalized and embraced by men, it’s a good thing and it’s a step in the right direction. You don’t have to agree with me, but that’s how a lot of us feel.
so what ARE they doing? again all they do is watering it down. they are normalizing the term yes but what does that do? it will lead to people putting the label on themselves and ultimately do nothing at all. it will come as far that anyone will say they are a feminist just like no one really says they are a racist even if they are. it helps nothing at all. we’ll have billions of feminists and still no equal pay.
they could also all call themselves oompa loompas and it would do as much for women.
Harrison Ford remains flawless YASSS
wow. i didn’t think jason momoa could get any hotter, but he just did with that answer… as did all these men (mackie excluded)!
and this all means squat.
It’s awful that so many men are just “yes of course, duh” while so many women are “omg I’m not a man-hater!”
I get what you’re saying. It is a slow process, but things are in motion. Slow progress is actually good in my eyes. To me it means people are in fact getting an idea and spending due time thinking about it. (ETA: what I’m trying to say is that it’s still better than remaining stuck)
Proof that we need feminism! Women are still more worried about being likable than men are.
Oh Anthony Mackie, please shut up! You are ruining my love! Cheers to Denis O’Hare great answer, and I was disappointed by Zachary Quinto’s, more cluelessness over the fact that feminism simply means women should not be treated as second class citizens, although I believe he probably is a supporter even if he doesn’t want to own the label.
Darren Aronofsky. YES. I’m not saying we should shut down discussions but I love how he was like oh hey is this a thing, you know, pandering to male actors to entertain ourselves and hoist their careers.
im completely over mackie…..