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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums'Bing Bang Theory's' Kaley Cuoco Doesn't Consider Herself Feminist
Don't call Kaley Cuoco a feminist. The "Big Bang Theory" star spoke about equality in an interview with Redbook for the magazine's February 2015 issue. When asked if she considers herself a feminist, she responded in the negative.
"Is it bad if I say no?" she asked. "It's not really something I think about. Things are different now, and I know a lot of the work that paved the way for women happened before I was around ... I was never that feminist girl demanding equality, but maybe that's because I've never really faced inequality."
She then went on to discuss the gender roles in her household with husband Ryan Sweeting, whom she married in a surprise ceremony on New Year's Eve last year after a whirlwind romance. "I cook for Ryan five nights a week: It makes me feel like a housewife; I love that. I know it sounds old-fashioned, but I like the idea of women taking care of their men. I'm so in control of my work that I like coming home and serving him. My mom was like that, so I think it kind of rubbed off."
Cuoco, 29, is currently one of the highest-paid actresses on television after inking a three-year contract with CBS for $1 million per episode for Seasons 8 through 10 of "The Big Bang Theory." "All I think about is what it means for my family
and knowing there is security for all of us," she told Redbook. Adding: "I remember always hoping I could help take care of [my parents] because they took such good care of me. Knowing I'll be able to just brings tears to my eyes." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/30/kaley-cuoco-feminist_n_6396208.html
big_dog
(4,144 posts)bigwillq
(72,790 posts)And I think it looks cute.
big_dog
(4,144 posts)bigwillq
(72,790 posts)cyberswede
(26,117 posts)sendero
(28,552 posts)... with long hair or short hair or whatever. And I love TBBT and have seen every episode multiple times.
NuclearDem
(16,184 posts)that totally kills my boner
NaturalHigh
(12,778 posts)In all fairness, though, the few times I did see it, I don't remember her looking like that.
Kali
(55,019 posts)Kingofalldems
(38,476 posts)On a daily basis too.
seabeyond
(110,159 posts)DURHAM D
(32,611 posts)cyberswede
(26,117 posts)...or get sexist stuff in under the radar?
seabeyond
(110,159 posts)thank you for saying it out loud.
tkmorris
(11,138 posts)It's just, you know, kinda who he is.
seabeyond
(110,159 posts)"semi-misogynistic bullshit"
from day one.
Autumn
(45,120 posts)is very attractive and frames her face beautifully.
840high
(17,196 posts)After reading that article, all you can talk about is her looks. You are not the least bit upset that she doesn't think equality is important? She could look like the most beautiful woman in the world, but that would not change her mentality, which is worthy.
NuclearDem
(16,184 posts)For Christ's sake.
yeoman6987
(14,449 posts)She likes cooking for her husband and that is a crime. We are supposed to be more excepting then portrayed by some here.
Kali
(55,019 posts)I do care about constant trolling of DU with this kind of crap. Hope that explains it better.
Do you think a post about a tee vee personality cooking for her man is relevant to the DEMOCRATICUNDERGROUND General Discussion?
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yeoman6987
(14,449 posts)With the rest of us.
Autumn
(45,120 posts)Cooking for her man is not the focus of the article.
seabeyond
(110,159 posts)the only reach on explaining her view on feminism was cooking for hubby.
yeoman6987
(14,449 posts)Cooking dinner for hubby was a big part of the article that I commented on. I am sure there are other facts that can be commented on at your choosing.
Autumn
(45,120 posts)of the article IMO and that makes it fine for discussion in GD. Your opinion may be different
Kali
(55,019 posts)as I said in the Host forum. Discussion of ignorant privileged wealthy people and their ignorance is fine. Trolling is the thing I have a problem with.
seabeyond
(110,159 posts)of feminism. i bet if you asked her if she believed in womens rights, she would be there.
to think feminism has anything to do with cooking for a family comes from a position of ignorance. and propaganda to create an adverse reaction to the word.
treestar
(82,383 posts)I can see the MRAs speaking up about this "choice." The man has to cooperate with either a non feminist or feminist household at the woman's choice? I decide whether I work or whether he has to support me?
But let's say it's both of them. The choice of she and her husband involves her working which doesn't make her a great not-feminist either.
Why serve her husband? It sounds unequal. Not about the cooking, but the way she talks of taking care of him. If she's not a feminist, does she think it's enough to cook him dinner? Non feminists believe she should stay home all day. She'll get critics from both sides.
She spoke up, so we get to talk about it. I suppose some people are big fans and don't want her challenged on something she said in public.
RockaFowler
(7,429 posts)Only because when I was sick he could not cook for the life of him.
But seriously - I love to cook. My mom loves to cook till this day and she's in her 70's.
KingCharlemagne
(7,908 posts)to do it as a career or full-time -- frankly, I don't think I have the stamina for a full 8-hour shift -- it has been really fun taking foods that we love to eat in restaurants and trying out the home-made versions. (For the holidays, I made a Jennie-O Turkey Ham with a brown sugar and pineapple glaze, scalloped potatoes and roasted green beans with garlic and mushrooms with a pesto accent. The ham was the big disappointment, as I don't have much experience with them and didn't leave it in the oven long enough to warm it thoroughly so that the glaze could really do its thing. The potatoes and green beans were both hits. Leftover ham went into crockpot split pea soup which I made a couple days ago and more than made up for the initial disappointment.)
wheniwasincongress
(1,307 posts)between the Big Bang Theory show and its actress
bigwillq
(72,790 posts)If that's what she chooses, and she's happy, then I am happy for her.
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)She is happy with her choices and how could that not be a good thing.
NutmegYankee
(16,201 posts)"Bing Bang Theory's' Kaley Cuoco Doesn't Consider Herself Feminist, Likes Cooking & 'Serving' Hubby
Don't call Kaley Cuoco a feminist. The "Big Bang Theory" star spoke about equality in an interview with Redbook for the magazine's February 2015 issue. When asked if she considers herself a feminist, she responded in the negative.
"Is it bad if I say no?" she asked. "It's not really something I think about. Things are different now, and I know a lot of the work that paved the way for women happened before I was around ... I was never that feminist girl demanding equality, but maybe that's because I've never really faced inequality."
She then went on to discuss the gender roles in her household with husband Ryan Sweeting, whom she married in a surprise ceremony on New Year's Eve last year after a whirlwind romance. "I cook for Ryan five nights a week: It makes me feel like a housewife; I love that. I know it sounds old-fashioned, but I like the idea of women taking care of their men. I'm so in control of my work that I like coming home and serving him. My mom was like that, so I think it kind of rubbed off."
Cuoco, 29, is currently one of the highest-paid actresses on television after inking a three-year contract with CBS for $1 million per episode for Seasons 8 through 10 of "The Big Bang Theory." "All I think about is what it means for my family and knowing there is security for all of us," she told Redbook. Adding: "I remember always hoping I could help take care of because they took such good care of me. Knowing I'll be able to just brings tears to my eyes." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/30/kaley-cuoco-feminist_n_6396208.html
Doctor_J
(36,392 posts)how bizarre
Kali
(55,019 posts)he self deletes. copying the crap may help with memory and transparency.
NutmegYankee
(16,201 posts)randys1
(16,286 posts)if the day came when Women didnt have to think about it, they had equality no matter what.
She has lived a charmed life and appears not to understand just how bad it is and has been for others, but I dont think she is intentionally being ignorant, she just is.
JI7
(89,264 posts)And others. Not sure what that has to do with anything
Jamastiene
(38,187 posts)The point is that she doesn't see fighting for equality as important because she doesn't have to deal with inequality. So, she is fine with leaving the rest of the women who DO face inequality behind. The cooking has really nothing to do with it. I can't understand how so many are missing the point.
JI7
(89,264 posts)The cooking was just one example. She brought it up as if one wouldn't enjoy doing that if they were a feminist.
Laffy Kat
(16,386 posts)"I love coming home and 'serving' my husband." It really does make me want to But, hey, that's just me.
mmonk
(52,589 posts)Bazinga
big_dog
(4,144 posts)funny show
minivan2
(214 posts)Worst show on television currently.
sarisataka
(18,770 posts)an on-screen romance
Ilsa
(61,698 posts)Needed to think about it. But she should. And she should be damned grateful that she can pull down the same salary per episode as her two male co-stars. She needs to realize that it isn't an accident. Pay equality is available for her because other female artists and workers have demanded equal pay for equal work. So there's your feminism, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting. You're benefitting from it.
seaglass
(8,173 posts)male costars in American Hustle (along with many other woman at Sony making less than their male counterparts), pay equity is not always guaranteed no matter what your salary range.
It's so easy for people when they get theirs, who cares if anyone else does.
treestar
(82,383 posts)Does she get paid as much as the men?
What of the other two women on that show (I see it a lot when over my sister's house, but would never be watching it by choice).
ProudToBeBlueInRhody
(16,399 posts)There was a big public negotiation about a year and a half ago.
The other 4 supporting actors renegotiated, but none get as much as that.
I would argue Parsons deserves more than Cuoco or Galecki, he's pretty much the reason people watch the show. But there seems to be a real team effort there to keep things equal.
treestar
(82,383 posts)I agree, its fans I know of talk about Sheldon.
I haven't been able to determine any difference between the characters (the 3 main characters) vs. the supporting. To the extent I pay attention the 7 seem to get equal time!
ProudToBeBlueInRhody
(16,399 posts)Miyam Bilaik (sp) wasn't even supposed to be a regular, but was popular enough to start appearing every episode a few years ago.
Ilsa
(61,698 posts)Galecki have signed deals giving each $1 mil per episode for the next season.
The other two women core characters (I think they've been around since season 3) also got their salaries bumped, but they aren't any where near the top three at about $60k per show. The other two original cast men get over $100k, but that might have gone up in the last few months under new contracts.
I didn't realize they were the top 3 from the casual watching of it that I end up doing.
Ilsa
(61,698 posts)were the original core group of five for the first several seasons. They defined the show's content and chemistry, IMO.
I would be heartbroken if Rauch and Bialek left, though. The character of Stuart is hysterical as well, as are Sheldon's and Leonard's mothers.
Marrah_G
(28,581 posts)I also like to cook and care for others, including the man in my life and I don't believe that is non-feminist.
cyberswede
(26,117 posts)since she used that as an example.
Marrah_G
(28,581 posts)They have just heard negative things (like they all hate men, blah blah) for most of their lives via media and it subconciously sinks in.
seabeyond
(110,159 posts)yet, in her statements, other than the stupid like cooking for husband, she speaks as a feminist. i cook for my family too. doesnt make me anti feminism. she has bought into, a feminist does not cook for family. propaganda of men.
Marrah_G
(28,581 posts)Not all of course, but many, probably have not spent enough time teaching their daughters so they can continue to carry the torch and to offset all that crappy misogynistic propaganda.
seabeyond
(110,159 posts)Marrah_G
(28,581 posts)Just to see where her thoughts are.
seabeyond
(110,159 posts)issue. it has been both interesting and fun over the years. but then, we are very much into the social structure we live in and find it a fascinating subject. not all people do. some have absolutely no interest in the subject. that is more what it sounds like to me, with this young woman.
but ya, i think that would be fun and interesting for you.
treestar
(82,383 posts)on weekends he cooks dinner for the family. The whole meal. And cleans up! I guess this actress thinks that makes him a rabid feminist.
But he isn't.
alphafemale
(18,497 posts)No one should give a shit.
It is called choice for a reason.
steve2470
(37,457 posts)even though you don't consider yourself one. Best wishes to you in your career and personal life!
Jamastiene
(38,187 posts)So, because she has never experienced inequality, she doesn't see the value in fighting for it for other women who have to face it on a daily basis. She sounds like a self centered asshole.
stevenleser
(32,886 posts)has people like this.
This kind of selfishness, denial and obliviousness can prove fatal at times. Many Jews in Germany during the period 1933-1938 thought they were fine even with the ascendance of Hitler and the Nazis to power. They thought it couldn't get that bad. You hear survivors say that. My grandfather who didn't survive said that to my father, etc.
In the face of Republicans behaving like they are, who seem determined to roll back many hard won rights for women, this kind of denial by Cuoco-Sweeting is dangerous. Obviously, we're not going to see women shipped off to concentration camps, but women are the victims of rape and murder at alarmingly high rates.
treestar
(82,383 posts)So she cooks for her husband and likes it, so she feels like that means she can't be a feminist. She lucked into a very good life and won't have to deal with discrimination against women. At least, she doesn't realize yet that when she is older she will find herself treated differently from men, she will. Or she'll have enough money to not care too much and so parrot the usual crap about how men age better than women. This is a person without clue lucky enough not to have to worry about it.
KingCharlemagne
(7,908 posts)teach the rocket scientists a thing or two? -- but I must agree with your assessment of her as a person. (Her false humility is more than a little trying, too.) What an epitaph your final sentence makes:
I'm reminded of Nick's take on Tom and Daisy Buchanan:
alp227
(32,052 posts)Because the actress self-identifying as feminist would ruin the show, due to the conflict in her character in the show!
JimDandy
(7,318 posts)Dawson Leery
(19,348 posts)She does not need to worry about income equality and working week to week to survive.
She and Carrie Underwood are multimillionaires who can afford to play fantasy housewife to their husbands.
With that said, I could never stand her and now I see why. Also, I hate that GD show.
Cuoco plays a blonde minstrel, a stereotype.
ProudToBeBlueInRhody
(16,399 posts)She also plays the only one on the show with normal social skills.
Calista241
(5,586 posts)She had to work hard to get where she is. Probably 1000 people showed up to her casting call, and I don't know anyone that's ever had to beat out 1000 other candidates for a job.
So, yes, now she's highly paid, but LA is full of people that tried and failed miserably to have even 1/5 the success Cuoco has had.
treestar
(82,383 posts)It wouldn't be working any harder to compete against 10 people than 1000. It was the casting director who "worked hard."
The people who tried and "failed" may have been as talented and as able to play the parts. It has more to do with the number of parts available and people's desires to be a star in large numbers (no wonder, given the publicity we see and the apparent money) than anyone working hard. Those 1000 other people did not work less hard.
roody
(10,849 posts)840high
(17,196 posts)Autumn
(45,120 posts)a beautiful, talented and successful actress on her attitude and choices.
Marrah_G
(28,581 posts)Or the same education and social education as others. Just because she has not learned what femanist means does not make her stupid. All it means is that she was never taught about it.
sarisataka
(18,770 posts)I thought I had gone to the wrong site for a moment. She even qualified her comments saying she hasn't really experienced inequality.
Some people have charmed lives Good for them.
That said, I don't really care what any entertainer's position is on any subject outside of entertainment without other qualifications.
Now if Mayim Bialik is talking about hypothalimy I'll listen- though probably not understand.
Autumn
(45,120 posts)by DUers, in this very thread. That's really pretty fucking disgusting.
marym625
(17,997 posts)But I think much of the problem is not so much with the actress but the post.
Personally, I believe she's a feminist and just doesn't consider herself one. She states how happy she is to be able to provide and not have to worry about finances. She does what she wants when she comes home from work. She just isn't fighting for others to have that same experience.
If she liked coming home and rebuilding engines I would bet this post wouldn't be here.
And there you have my opinion, even though you didn't ask for it.
treestar
(82,383 posts)And even if she just liked cooking - that would be an interest many people have.
It's the way she put it as serving him and cooking for him. I think she's sort of dumb in that her husband could cook for her if that was his hobby, and she wouldn't make this statement. She has this idea in her head that if she cooks "for her husband" she won't get feminist status. A shallow and uninformed idea of feminism. She happens to enjoy cooking for him, so she thinks that makes her Donna Reed and she can't be a feminist.
Or as someone else on this thread suggested, it's part of her contract to remain similar to her character.
One of those things. Or maybe both.
arcane1
(38,613 posts)She hopefully has a better idea now, especially after mentioning the struggles that came before her.
At least she's not saying feminism is a bad thing. Cluelessness I can deal with.
Autumn
(45,120 posts)as a pretty decent human being.
Nice to run into you
Texasgal
(17,047 posts)does not have anything to do with 'feminism" period. For her to even bring that up is silly!
Ofcourse we all have our own choices! To say that "cooking for your husband" and "never having to deal with "equality" is bullshit! She's damn lucky that there was a strong woman that stood up in hollywood to be where she is today!
Ugh! Now... this "feminist" is off to cook my husband dinner.... Because he enjoys my cooking and I LIKE cooking!
Autumn
(45,120 posts)My Husband gets happy on those mornings because that's the only time he gets breakfast
seabeyond
(110,159 posts)sarisataka
(18,770 posts)she will give birth to the kids and I will cook food for them.
I'll take that deal every time
rurallib
(62,448 posts)Jordon reaped the benefits of those who went before him, but never stepped up himself to use the platform he commanded.
Honestly, Jordon was probably one of the best all around athletes ever. But I admire folks like Bill Russell much more. Russ stood for something, as did Bill Walton of all people. What can you say about Jackie Robinson?
Kaley Cuoco is content to rest on the work of others. She has been given a platform she chooses not to use. I think she is one hell of an actress and I enjoy her work. But when I think of women I admire, Billie Jean King comes to mind, Gloria Steinem also. We could easily go back to Susan B. Anthony.
Some are given opportunities to lead and simply don't want to do it.
Texasgal
(17,047 posts)So glad that so many other Women put their fists up so that YOU can have a decent paycheck!
And really, cooking for your husband is so far off the "feminist" radar it's not even funny. ugh. just ugh1
woolldog
(8,791 posts)"I'm so in control of my work that I like coming home and serving him."
Read more: http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/kaley-cuoco-isnt-a-feminist-likes-serving-husband-ryan-sweeting-20143012#ixzz3NRGz0BWi
Follow us: @usweekly on Twitter | usweekly on Facebook
Good for her.
treestar
(82,383 posts)and keep house for him all day.
Sivafae
(480 posts)AnnieBW
(10,457 posts)Her career as America's comic sweetheart will be over, and she'll be reduced to living off of residuals and the occasional "Mom" role. Just ask Jennifer Anniston.
NaturalHigh
(12,778 posts)How much money did Jennifer Anniston make for that "We're the Millers" role? That strip tease routine didn't really strike me as the stereotypical "Mom" role.
bigwillq
(72,790 posts)Possible Oscar Nomination.
As of June, she made 31 mill in 2014.
http://www.forbes.com/profile/jennifer-aniston/
Jennifer Aniston seems to be doing just fine.
And, psst, she's 45.
NaturalHigh
(12,778 posts)Seriously?
Wow! to her!
JTFrog
(14,274 posts)NaturalHigh
(12,778 posts)I think Jennifer Aniston is one of the hottest women on the planet. For the life of me, I can't believe you would think that was somehow a knock against her.
arcane1
(38,613 posts)If she has to live off of residuals then she sucked at money management more than I do!
1step
(380 posts)164
hamsterjill
(15,224 posts)To me, the big feminist that I am and always have been, this quote in the article says much:
"I was never that feminist girl demanding equality, but maybe that's because I've never really faced inequality."
Cuoco is right in that if one has never faced inequality, then demanding equality may not be deemed important. BUT...if we are to evolve as a species, which I hope we will, we need to be able to understand and relate to the predicaments of others. Gender inequality exists; therefore, correcting that inequality is something that should be important to all of us - to each of us.
I, personally, cringe at the idea of women SERVING men, but if that's what works for her, then that's her choice. But I hope she is intelligent enough to understand that it's the CHOICE that those of us who did work hard to "pave the way" will continue to fight for. Because those women who choose not to "take care of their men" should not be berated for that choice either.
abakan
(1,819 posts)And why?