Feminism is overused: So says Lisa Haydon

Tanmay Bhatt's recent rant might have encouraged you to shout that you are a feminist from rooftops, but model turned actress Lisa Heydon definitely wasn't inspired. Sample this response to a question about whether the concept of feminism is misconstrued and you will know what we mean.

“I don't like the word feminist. I don't think women trying to be men is feminism. I also don't believe in being outspoken for the sake of it, or just to prove a point. Feminism is just an overused term and people make too much noise about it for no reason. Women have been given these bodies to produce children, and the spirit and tenderness to take care of people around us. It's fine to be an outspoken and working woman. I don't want to be a man. One day I look forward to making dinner for my husband and children. I don't want to be a career feminist,” said the dainty anti-feminist to TOI.

Also read: I am not a feminist: Mamata Banerjee

Strong words these. We decided to break down her answer, and realised that she herself is probably at loose ends in her understanding of feminism.

“I don’t like the word feminist”- Pray why? Seems like Haydon’s knowledge is restricted to those pre-conceived propagated notions that feminists are bra-burning and constantly whining.

“I don't think women trying to be men is feminism”-Well that's not really what feminists are trying to do. No feminist is trying to outdo a man. They only ask for basic equality in rights among various genders!

“I also don't believe in being outspoken for the sake of it, or just to prove a point.”- What’s wrong in that? Being straight forward about what you want and what you believe in saves time and lets others know where you stand on issues that are close to your heart, isn’t it? Then why not be outspoken?

“Feminism is just an overused term and people make too much noise about it for no reason.”- As far as what it stands for goes, feminism is definitely not overused. Haydon needs to understand that it is a struggle women have been fighting for centuries now, belittling it by saying something like this only makes her look insensitive.

“Women have been given these bodies to produce children, and the spirit and tenderness to take care of people around us. It's fine to be an outspoken and working woman. I don't want to be a man.”- Nobody turns into a man by balancing both a professional and a personal life, for heaven’s sake. It is so saddening that Haydon, who has played some of the most liberated roles on-screen has such outdated thinking.

“One day I look forward to making dinner for my husband and children.”- Sure you can have this and be a feminist both at the same time. As tough as it may sound, it is not so, in reality. Ask Vidya Balan, Deepika Padukone, Kangana Ranaut- all from her own league who are feminists in their choices both professionally and personally.

“I don't want to be a career feminist”- Well, you are one, aren’t you? You are trying to carve a niche for yourself in a profession where men are supposed to drive everything-from performances to box office results. Aren't you trying to get roles which will be give you as much screen space as your male counterparts?

Well, Ms Hayden, it is up to you to believe in equality, or not. But we believe you are only misunderstood and not an anti-feminist.

Picture credit- India Forum