Recently, many well-known actors, actresses, singers, and producers have been using their fame and media exposure to talk about social justice issues that are important to them. In particular many celebrities are finally speaking up and identifying themselves as feminists. Here are are a few of the best quotes about feminism from some of our favorite famous people.
1. Ellen Page
Page is known for her roles in "X-men" and "Inception." She hit the nail on the head regarding society's reluctance to accept the feminist "label."
2. Aziz Ansari
Ansari is a well-known comedian and he is known for speaking up for minorities. Here he addresses the negative connotations that have begun to surround the word "feminism." He rejects the idea that feminism is an "aggressive" word.
3. Jennifer Garner
Garner is one of the most successful actresses of her time. She criticizes society's tendency to shame women for their success, as if any success has come at the expense of their family. She claims that there is a double standard in the media and speaks out about how these standards are damaging to both women and men.
4. Joseph Gordon Levitt
Levitt is a male supporter of the feminist cause. Here, we see him rejecting the idea that we are defined by our gender.
5. Viola Davis
In her Emmy acceptance speech Davis spoke out about the issues unique to women of color. She highlights the intersectional prejudice that comes with falling on the oppressed side of multiple social dichotomies. By using a quote from Harriet Tubman Davis illustrates that, although we have made progress, we still have a long way to go.
6. Angelina Jolie
One of the most famous actresses of her time, Jolie has also been heavily involved with charity work. She has tried to raise awareness about women's issues, particularly in third-world countries. In her speech at the African Union Summit she highlights women's treatment in impoverished and underdeveloped countries, criticizing the way that women are often treated as second-class citizens.
7. Daniel Radcliffe
The Boy-Who-Will-Always-Be-Known-As-Harry-Potter has also voiced his opinions on to topic. While many equate feminism with man-hating and bra-burning, Radcliffe recognizes that the fundamental ideals of feminism are equal rights for everyone regardless of gender.
8. Emma Watson
Okay, we are on a "Harry Potter" streak here. Since her famous portrayal of Hermione Granger, Watson has become an ambassador for UN Women. She has been a prominent voice in feminist conversations and has founded the HeforShe movement, a move for solidarity among the genders in the fight for equal rights.
9. Mark Ruffalo
Ruffalo's statement about his mother and daughters illustrates why this fight affects all of us. Anyone who cares about the women in their life should take this issue seriously. It looks like the Hulk has a soft side.
10. Lupita Nyong'o
Oscar-winning Nyong'o spoke up about the unrealistic beauty standards that young girls are often faced with. She recounted her own struggles with her dark skin and African-Mexican heritage. In 2014 Peoplenamed her "The Most Beautiful Woman." However, in the quote below, she encourages girls to seek internal beauty first and to love themselves just as they are.
