Elle Macpherson on feminism

Oh , Elle (MacPherson).  Thank you for reminding me yet again of why we still need feminism.  In an interview today with The Guardian, the Australian fashion-model-turned-designer said:

Are you a feminist?

I’m somebody who truly honours femininity. And I believe in individuality, and uniqueness, and that’s all I’m going to say on that.

But you shy away from the word "feminism"?

It’s one of those coined phrases that has a lot of innuendo and not much meaning these days. There’s a stereotypical perception that a feminist is somebody who believes in equal rights for men and women. Well, I believe men and women are different and they have different needs, therefore the concept of equal rights doesn’t really sit with me in many ways.

Newsflash to Elle: It’s not a "stereotypical perception"; it’s what feminism is . And it’s thanks to all those “stereotypical” feminists who fought for equal –not different– rights for women that you have been at all able to become the successful model and businesswoman you are today.  You’re welcome.

This and other gems from Elle’s interview are cross-posted on www.the-F-word.org