Feminism has been here for a while now and all it wants is to establish equal political, economic, cultural, personal, and social rights for women. Whenever we think of feminism and feminists, most people picture a woman. It is perhaps easier to imagine women standing up for ‘issues concerning women.’ But this assumption is wrong, because there is no paucity of men who stand with us.
This post by Vagabomb highlights a list of men who not only believe in the cause of feminism, but are openly standing up for it. And mind you, these aren’t the only ones. There are so many we don’t even know about.
1. Ryan Gosling prefers films that have strong female characters
Raised by a single mother whom he’s very close to, Ryan raised an important question over the controversy surrounding Blue Valentine – if it is okay for a film to show violence against women, why is showing a healthy representation of female sexuality such a taboo? He also talked about how his choice of films is affected by ‘strong female characters because there are strong female characters in my life.’
2. David Schwimmer is the director of a centre for rape victims in California
FRIENDS actor, David Schwimmer, uses his fame to draw ample attention to the issue of rape. He was inspired by his two ex-girlfriends who were victims of child sexual abuse.
3. Farhan Akhtar was the first man to become the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia in 2014
Farhan Akhtar needs no introduction. He is the founder of Men Against Rape and Discrimination (MARD), a campaign supporting women’s empowerment. “Gender violence and gender inequality is not just a women’s issue. It’s also a man’s issue. It’s not just because we have mothers, wives, sisters and daughters. We’re here because it’s a human rights issue and we are all human beings”, he said.
4. Tom Hardy shuts meninists in an interview
An acclaimed English actor, Tom Hardy is widely known for his stellar performance as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises . With his recent release, Mad Max: Fury Road , he shuts sceptics and meninists up by standing for the idea of what happens to be the most feminist action film made yet . And the way he does it is just brilliant!
5. Patrick Stewart has been a victim of violence and now he stands up against it
The actor was raised in a home with an abusive father and knows what violence can do to a person. He stands against violence and is also an anti-violence advocate for organisations like Ring the Bell to bring an end to violence against women.
6. Aziz Ansari believes in the simple notion of equal rights for men and women
Aziz Ansari is known for his performance in the hit comedy show, Parks and Recreation. He is an internationally acclaimed stand-up comedian who is also a vocal supporter of women’s rights.
7. Mark Ruffalo wants women to have a choice to do things their way
Famous for The Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind , Ruffalo made a speech in Mississippi about his mother’s illegal abortion. “My own mother fought to make herself more than a possession . She lived her life as a mother who chose when she would have children, and a wife who could earn a living if she so chose. I want my daughters to enjoy that same choice.”
8. Will Smith often speaks about how feminism starts at home
The famous actor is one of the most powerful actors in Hollywood, with a vast audience that adores him. He uses his popularity aptly by being vocal about why the world needs feminists. He also talks about the liberal upbringing of his daughter and the egalitarian environment for his son and daughter alike.
9. Daniel Radcliffe talks about the famous ‘friend-zone problem’, gay rights and women empowerment
The Harry Potter actor speaks openly about gay rights and women empowerment. He thinks the concept of the ‘friendzone’ is just men going, ‘This woman won’t have sex with me,’ and says, “Well, I think I’m a feminist, just by the virtue of the fact that I believe in equal rights for everyone.”
10. Joss Whedon creates strong female characters and is very vocal about it
He is the creator of some of the strongest female characters like Buffy Summers and Willow Rosenberg from Buffy the Vampire Slayer , River Tam from Firefly and Black Widow, from The Avengers . I n an interview he was asked why he writes strong female characters, to which he said, “Because you’re still asking me that question.”
11. Louis CK presents serious gender issues in a lighthearted way
Louis CK a famous comedian, writer, producer, is a prominent face on the international stand-up comedy scene. His standup acts are often about serious gender issues, presented in a lighthearted and not-so-subtle tone.
12. Joseph Gordon Levitt
Not only does the actor support Emma Watson’s UN campaign # HeforShe , Joseph Gordon-Levitt released a video asking people what it meant to be a feminist. He talks about what feminism means ideally and how it is perceived.
The world needs more men like these.
