14 Things You Should Never Say to a Feminist
Don't ever say these things to a feminist.
1. Why do you hate men? I don't hate men. I just hate that some of them say things like "legitimate rape."
2. Do you shave your legs? When I feel like it.
3. Are you a lesbian? What does my sexual orientation have to do with this conversation right now?
4. You're being sexist. You're making my brain hurt.
5. So you burn your bra? Bra-burning is an outdated feminism reference and if you read ANYTHING you would know that. But let's keep talking about lingerie instead of the fact that in 2014, women are still paid less than men for doing the exact same job.
6. We just have very different values. We must. But we should discuss why your values don't favor equality and overall respect for women.
7. You must really hate that Blurred Lines song. Personally, I think that song is super catchy. But I could probably do without the naked women dancing around fully clothed men. And maybe nix the "I know you want it" line.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
8. You're a feminist? Then why do you care so much about your outfit? They are not mutually exclusive. I can be interested in fashion and equal political, economic, and social rights for women.
9. Stop complaining. Talk to the hand.
10. What's a diva cup? Google it.
11. I don't really think about things as guys versus girls. Well I guess ignorance is bliss.
12. I hate labeling. So then you'll hate it that I've already labeled you naïve.
13. Don't you think you're just acting like the stereotype right now? If you mean I'm acting like an educated, concerned, intelligent woman then sure.
14. I'm more of a humanist. You do know women are humans, right?
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Hallie has worked in beauty editorial for ten years and has been editorial director at Byrdie since 2021. Previously, she was a senior editor at Byrdie since 2016. During her time at Byrdie, she's written hundreds of high-performing stories on skincare, wellness (including fitness, diet, mental health, body image, et al) makeup, and hair. She's a regular on set, helping to source inspiration for makeup and hair looks, as well as interviewing celebrities, models, and other notable women and men in the beauty space.
Before that, Hallie ran Marie Claire's social media and wrote beauty and culture stories for the site, and helped launch Time Inc.'s digital-only beauty brand, MIMI. After college, she contributed to Time Out New York’s Shopping & Style section before landing her first beauty editor gig at Hearst's Real Beauty. Hallie's writing has also appeared in ELLE, Cosmopolitan, and InStyle. Hallie graduated with a BA in Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
-
'Dune: Prophecy' Shows the Bene Gesserit's Rise to Power—Meet the Next Gen Actresses Leading the Max Series
And if you need a refresher on House Atreides and Harkonnen lore, we've got you covered.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Prince Andrew's "Anxiety is Through the Roof " Amid Royal Lodge Battle
The royal "is generally very lost," a source claims.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Nicole Kidman Addresses the Popular Meme Referencing Her Divorce From Tom Cruise
"That wasn't real life."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
By Brooke Knappenberger Last updated
-
Her Love of Basketball Left Her Stateless
One athlete’s quest for freedom from Afghanistan, where the Taliban's restrictive and regressive policies on women's sports put her life in danger.
By Abigail Pesta Published
-
Cory Booker and Rosario Dawson's Relationship Is No More
After three years of dating, the power couple have decided they're better off as friends.
By Marie Claire Editors Published
-
Education for Women and Girls Is Crucial for Climate Justice
In an excerpt from her new book, 'A Bigger Picture,' Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate discusses the impact educated African women and girls can have on solving the climate crisis.
By Vanessa Nakate Published
-
It’s Time to End Equal Pay Days and Pass the Equal Rights Amendment
The passage of the ERA is a chance for our country to prove it truly values women.
By Hala Ayala Published
-
Anita Hill Believes We Can End Gender Violence
Three decades after her landmark testimony in the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings, the esteemed professor and lawyer has a message for leaders: The time is now to prioritize anti-gender violence policies.
By Rachel Epstein Published
-
The Anti-Choice Movement’s Aims Are Out in the Open: End Roe, Rip Away Reproductive Freedom
Today, 228 U.S. senators and representatives explicitly asked the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade.
By Adrienne Kimmell Published
-
Kathryn Garcia Has Spent Her Career Cleaning Up Powerful Men's Messes
The former department of sanitation commissioner has jockeyed her way to the front of a very crowded, very loud, very sexist NYC mayoral field. Will she make history?
By Megan DiTrolio Published