Of course, Sarah Jessica Parker looks stunning on the cover of the September Issue of Marie Claire, but it’s the star’s controversial comments on today’s real issues that has fans getting very carried away.
When asked whether she identifies as a feminist, the mother-of-three says, “I am not a feminist. I don’t think I qualify.”
Explaining her reasoning why, she added, “I believe in women and I believe in equality, but I think there is so much that needs to be done that I don’t even want to separate it anymore. I’m so tired of separation.
“I just want people to be treated equally.”
Just so we’re all on the same page, the Oxford Dictionary’s definition of the word feminism is “The advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes.”
Just saying…
The star’s latest show Divorce premieres in October.
Sarah also had something to say about the gender pay gap – where in Australia alone women are generally paid 17.3% less than men for performing the exact same job.
“I would like all of that nonsense to end,” she says. “I would like women to get paid for the value of their contributions, not by old-fashioned ideas about gender.”
Watch Sarah Jessica Parker surprise brides with shoes in the video player below. Post continues…
But despite the comments, that left many scratching their heads, the 51-year-old wants her fans to know that she does, however, support the many Hollywood names who proudly declare themselves feminists.
“Listen, Jennifer Lawrence deserves every bit as much as her male counterpart. It’s indisputable. Emma Watson is an amazing young woman, and it’s important for her to talk about women’s issues,” she said of the actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.
“She isn’t concerned about herself. Women are paying the bills, getting it done, getting the kids here and there. The more we address that, we are all going to be better.”
“I think it is right that socially, I am afforded the same respect as men,” said UN Women Global Goodwill Ambassador, Emma Watson, while former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell seems to think otherwise, saying, “For me feminism is bra-burning lesbianism.”
SJP isn’t the only Hollywood A-lister to eschew the term.
In 2007 Geri Halliwell, who proudly once preached the words “Girl Power” throughout her career, dispelled that motto when she told The Guardian, “For me feminism is bra-burning lesbianism. It’s very unglamorous. I’d like to see it rebranded. We need to see a celebration of our femininity and softness.”
Upon receiving the Billboard award for Woman of the Year in 2012, Katy Perry announced, “I am not a feminist, but I do believe in the strength of women.”
And perhaps even more confusing were the words spoken by Miss Independent singer, Kelly Clarkson, who famously rejected the feminist label for being “too strong.”
“I think when people hear feminist it’s just like, ‘Get out of my way I don’t need anyone.’ I love that I’m being taken care of, and I have a man that’s an actual leader.”
Proud feminist Chris Hemsworth uploaded this image on International Women’s Day with the touching caption: “Happy #internationalwomensday to my mum, daughter, wife and all the other incredible, strong , amazing , intelligent women out there.”
While the above comments may induce a disappointed sigh, you can be sure that there are plenty of names in the spotlight that are standing up for gender equality in their industry, and in every other.
Chris Hemsworth, whose role as a male receptionist in the female-led remake of Ghostbusters was considered to be a game changer, recently declared himself a proud feminist when speaking to RadioTimes.
“Oh yeah, for sure,” the father-of-three replied when asked if he identified with the label. “My mum’s a big feminist. I think that my views on things, as far as respect for women and so on, came from my mum.”
“My dad has a very balanced and respectful view on a lot of things too. They were huge positive influences in my life,” he continued.
The Aussie actor also expressed his sincere hope that one day both males and females will be respected in every industry equally.
“I think the balance has been tipped for a long time heavily in the men’s direction,” he said.
“But it’s a funny conversation to even have, because of course it should be that way. Of course it should be equal.”
