'Bing Bang Theory's' Kaley Cuoco Doesn't Consider Herself Feminist

[big_dog]

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

[Kali]

1. ...

[big_dog]

6. good grief, what happened to her hair!

[bigwillq]

8. It appears she has cut it.

And I think it looks cute.

[big_dog]

10. too bad, she had such beautiful long hair

[bigwillq]

12. Her hair did look nice long, like in this pic (nt)

[cyberswede]

18. Good thing she doesn't wear her hair to please you, then.

[sendero]

47. I think she's adorable..

... with long hair or short hair or whatever. And I love TBBT and have seen every episode multiple times.

[NuclearDem]

56. oh thank god she's not a feminist

that totally kills my boner

[NaturalHigh]

100. You have me wondering why I don't watch this show.

In all fairness, though, the few times I did see it, I don't remember her looking like that.

[Kali]

11. why do you post such idiotic fluffy semi-misogynistic bullshit all the time?

[Kingofalldems]

13. +1,000,000,000

On a daily basis too.

[seabeyond]

19. consistently. thank you kali. nt

[DURHAM D]

20. Thank you. nt

[cyberswede]

22. 'cause if it's fluffy, one can claim ignorance?

...or get sexist stuff in under the radar?

[seabeyond]

23. obvious to many. oblivious to others. yes.

thank you for saying it out loud.

[tkmorris]

26. I don't think he's TRYING to be sneaky about it

It's just, you know, kinda who he is.

[seabeyond]

24. btw, the obvious misogyny gets juried hide or locked by skinner. hence,

"semi-misogynistic bullshit"

from day one.

[Autumn]

27. Her attitude and her hair are her choice. I think her short hair

is very attractive and frames her face beautifully.

[840high]

45. Agree on both counts.

[Jamastiene]

33. FFS!

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]

50. Oh get out with this misogynistic TMZ bullshit.

For Christ's sake.

[yeoman6987]

49. It is her choice!!!!! Why so negative?

She likes cooking for her husband and that is a crime. We are supposed to be more excepting then portrayed by some here.

[Kali]

54. I don't give a flying fuck about some tee vee actor

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?

Statement of Purpose

Discuss politics, issues, and current events. Posts about Israel/Palestine, religion, guns, showbiz, or sports are restricted in this forum. Conspiracy theories and disruptive meta-discussion are forbidden. For more information, click here.

[yeoman6987]

55. Obviously it is very important because you are here

With the rest of us.

[Autumn]

60. A famous woman's opinion on feminism is not a relevant discussion for GD?

Cooking for her man is not the focus of the article.

[seabeyond]

63. did i miss something? she really did not say a lot more in the article. seems to be,

the only reach on explaining her view on feminism was cooking for hubby.

[yeoman6987]

65. Well I am not the OP

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]

68. "Cooking dinner for hubby" was not the main focus

of the article IMO and that makes it fine for discussion in GD. Your opinion may be different

[Kali]

70. My reactions are to the focus of the OP, not so much the article,

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]

71. +1. nt

[seabeyond]

61. cooking dinner for our family has nothing to do with feminism. most people do not own the title

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]

76. She raised an issue

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]

2. I like cooking for my husband

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]

92. I love cooking for my wife (and do so most days). While I don't think I love it enough

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]

3. A perfect match

between the Big Bang Theory show and its actress

[bigwillq]

4. Good for her.

If that's what she chooses, and she's happy, then I am happy for her.

[Sherman A1]

9. Precisely

She is happy with her choices and how could that not be a good thing.

[NutmegYankee]

5. Sad.

"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]

44. why did you repost the entire OP with a face palm?

how bizarre

[Kali]

75. sometimes when this OP poster gets an inkling of shame (or some signal that he has crossed the line)

he self deletes. copying the crap may help with memory and transparency.

[NutmegYankee]

112. Thanks Kali.

[randys1]

7. Her attitude actually would be the ultimate goal of feminism in that wouldnt it be nice

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.

[historylovr]

17. +1.

[JI7]

14. there are many feminists who like to cook for their husband

And others. Not sure what that has to do with anything

[Jamastiene]

36. It is not about the cooking.

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]

42. I get the point and her not getting it

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]

96. Sure, but you know it was the way she framed it:

"I love coming home and 'serving' my husband." It really does make me want to But, hey, that's just me.

[mmonk]

15. The perfect casting for Penny.

Bazinga

[big_dog]

16. poor Sheldon had his chances

funny show

[minivan2]

89. Can't stand that show

Worst show on television currently.

[sarisataka]

91. It would only be

an on-screen romance

[Ilsa]

21. She's had a lot of success in her craft and hasn't

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.

[cyberswede]

28. +1

[seaglass]

31. Yep. And as we just saw with Sony paying Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence less than their

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]

38. In fact, is that known ?

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]

81. The main 3 characters get 1 million an episode

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]

84. Interesting.

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]

85. The other four have gotten more screen time as the show has gone along

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]

108. My understanding is that Cuoco-Sweeting, Parsons, and

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.

[treestar]

109. Thanks

I didn't realize they were the top 3 from the casual watching of it that I end up doing.

[Ilsa]

110. Those three, and then the other two men,

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]

25. As long as it's her choice on how to live, nothing wrong with it.

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]

29. I don't either, but she must think it is...

since she used that as an example.

[Marrah_G]

32. I think alot of younger women just don't know what feminist means

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]

46. exactly. she clearly states she does not know anything or even think about it.

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]

51. I think the middle age and senior women also need to take some responsibility

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]

57. probably. anyone relating cooking dinner to feminism has missed the boat, one way or another. nt

[Marrah_G]

67. I think I will strike up the topic when my daughter is here next.

Just to see where her thoughts are.

[seabeyond]

69. lol. i have had many with all nieces, nephews and two sons. well aware where they sit on the

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]

78. Yes. Heck my BIL likes to cook

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]

30. And....?"

No one should give a shit.

It is called choice for a reason.

[steve2470]

34. Kaley, you're a feminist...

even though you don't consider yourself one. Best wishes to you in your career and personal life!

[Jamastiene]

35. She sounds like a self centered asshole.

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]

106. That's exactly it. She's got hers so nothing to see here. Every minority/discriminated against group

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]

37. Sounds like a very dumb person

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]

93. I like the character she plays -- who wouldn't like the working class woman who can always

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:

This is a person without clue lucky enough not to have to worry about it.

I'm reminded of Nick's take on Tom and Daisy Buchanan:

They were careless people, Tom and Daisy- they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.

[alp227]

39. Otherwise, she'd get fired from BBT. What else did you expect?

Because the actress self-identifying as feminist would ruin the show, due to the conflict in her character in the show!

[JimDandy]

58. Was just going to post same thing. n/t

[Dawson Leery]

40. She has a charmed life and an easy paycheck.

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]

87. "Cuoco plays a blonde minstrel, a stereotype"

She also plays the only one on the show with normal social skills.

[Calista241]

95. There are no charmed lives in Hollywood

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]

105. That makes it luck even more so

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]

41. Why doesn't she stand up straight?

[840high]

43. Love her short hair.

[Autumn]

48. A very eye opening thread. I'm amazed at some of the ugly comments directed at

a beautiful, talented and successful actress on her attitude and choices.

[Marrah_G]

52. I think that people forget that not all generations have the same experiences

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]

59. Agreed

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]

62. She has been called ignorant, a very dumb person, a self centered asshole

by DUers, in this very thread. That's really pretty fucking disgusting.

[marym625]

72. I am not positive

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]

77. I think you are right

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.

[marym625]

79. yep.

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]

101. Exactly, I don't think she's all that clear on what "feminist" means.

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]

80. And a good opinion it is. I've seen her on a couple of talk shows and she comes across

as a pretty decent human being.

[marym625]

83. Thanks!

Nice to run into you

[Texasgal]

74. to be honest it's because what she describes

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]

86. My choice is I don't cook, unless my dog wants an omelette and nags me until I cook him one.

My Husband gets happy on those mornings because that's the only time he gets breakfast

[seabeyond]

88. that is funny autumn. too cute. nt

[sarisataka]

90. My wife and I came to an agreement

she will give birth to the kids and I will cook food for them.

I'll take that deal every time

[arcane1]

102. Hahaha!

[rurallib]

53. Sort of reminds me of Michael Jordon

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]

64. welll... nice.

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]

66. She says in the article that she likes "serving" her husband.

"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]

73. She could quit her job

and keep house for him all day.

[Sivafae]

82. I really hope her husband doesn't tell her to end her career. n/t

[AnnieBW]

94. Wait Until She Turns 40

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]

97. Huh? Jennifer Anniston?

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]

98. Golden Globe Nomination. SAG Nomination.

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]

99. Jennifer Aniston is older than me?

Seriously?

Wow! to her!

[JTFrog]

107. Always good to get a little ageism in with your sexism. n/t

[NaturalHigh]

114. What? That was supposed to be a compliment.

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]

103. 20+ episodes a year, for a million each episode, for the next three years.

If she has to live off of residuals then she sucked at money management more than I do!

[1step]

104. HATE that show!

164

[hamsterjill]

111. This quote says it all to me.

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]

113. Really who the cares?

And why?