Sarah Jessica Parker gave an interview to Marie Claire for the magazine's September issue, in which she declared she is not a feminist.
Her comments were highlighted in an online teaser of the issue, which comes out later this month. In the interview, she told the women's magazine the following:
"I am not a feminist. I don't think I qualify. 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."
This is confusing for a few reasons.
One reason why the actress's comment is puzzling is because, as a few Twitter users pointed out, Parker says she is not a feminist but then goes on to describe what she believes in, which is basically feminism.
Sarah Jessica Parker: "I am not a feminist because I believe in [goes on to define feminism]."
— Jameson Fitzpatrick (@twinkpiece) August 4, 2016
In the same interview, Parker explains that she thinks the gender pay gap should be closed:
"I would like all of that nonsense to end. I would like women to get paid for the value of their contributions, not by old-fashioned ideas about gender.
"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 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."
Thus, it's clear that her ideas align with feminism, but she does not self-identify.
Sarah Jessica Parker: I am not a feminist, I just want people to be treated equally.
Me: pic.twitter.com/bCSRj3TzT6
— ૪ (@mortallily) August 4, 2016
Some are disappointed in Parker, given that she played what many consider a feminist character.
Parker famously played Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City," a show that was groundbreaking for its portrayal of confident, independent, yet flawed women.
TFW Sarah Jessica Parker says "I am not a feminist ... I just want people to be treated equally." pic.twitter.com/685rhhfR95
— Anna Swartz (@Anna_Snackz) August 4, 2016
While identifying as a feminist used to come with a stigma, many celebrities are unafraid to use the F-word.
Celebrities from Chloë Grace Moretz to Beyoncé are proud to wear the feminist label.
Emma Watson, whom Parker praises for "talking about women's issues," is not only a proud feminist but is a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.
A photo posted by UN Women (@unwomen) on
Jan 23, 2016 at 11:38am PST
Even President Barack Obama declared on Thursday that not only is he a feminist, but that's it's important for him to be one.
Parker, of course, can call herself whatever she likes. That's a woman's choice.
[h/t E! News]