Can Orange Is the New Black Star Matt McGorry please stop? Ever since the actor “discovered” feminism in 2015 he has nominated himself as the new face of male feminism and has become determined to explain it to everyone — including women.
It all started back in 2015 when the OITNB actor first learned the “true” definition of feminism. He took to Facebook to share his epiphany, writing,
“I’m embarrassed to admit that I only recently discovered the ACTUAL definition of “feminism”. The fact that the term is sometimes clouded with anything other than pure support and positivity in our society is very tragic. I believe in gender equality. Being a feminist is for both women AND men. I AM A FEMINIST. In for equality? Pass it on -#LeanInTogether #LeanIn #IAmAFeminist #HeForShe”
We’re all for male allies and everything, but don’t act like you invented feminism.
Since then, he has taken to tweeting things like,
I like my women like I like my coffee: w/ infinite variations of size, color, & $ value, bc none of these determines its right to be loved
— Matt McGorry (@MattMcGorry) May 18, 2015
He’s also taken to penning essays about the wage gap and gushing over the book Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg.
And most recently, he’s decided to use his “feminism” to promote Axe body spray during a screening of The Mask You Live In, a mainstream documentary about the way harmful masculinity affects our society. Instead of promoting a great film, he gave out swag bags of Axe products. Good work, Matt.
You might be wondering, why is this such an issue? He’s on our side, right?
Let’s lay it down for you: If you’re just learning about feminist rhetoric, no matter what gender you are, shut up and listen. It’s time to read, learn, and synthesize. Don’t just start flapping your mouth before you’ve learned the facts.
If you really want to share your newfound belief system, then share the work of scholars who have already done their homework. Point to Audre Lorde, Roxane Gay, Rebecca Traister, etc.
And the biggest issue with McGorry’s feminism? He’s making it all about him. Newsflash, Matt: Feminism is not all about white men. Got it? So stop putting yourself at the center of everything. It ain’t all about you, ok?
