Jennifer Aniston’s Opinion About The Pressure On Women To Conform To Societal Standards Is Thought-Provoking
Hollywood star, Jennifer Joanna Aniston has delivered one of her most candid interviews to date, hitting back at her critics and declaring that her ‘purpose on this planet’ may not be ‘to procreate’. The 49-year-old American actress who was interviewed by Jimmy Kimmel‘s wife, Molly McNearney for the September issue of InStyle magazine also spoke out against the societal pressure on women to become mothers.
A frequent target of tabloid magazines speculating whether her decision not to have children is due to heartbreak over her divorce with actor, Brad Pitt in 2005; or because she’s “committed to her career”, Aniston says the “reckless accusations” were hurtful.
She was married to Brad Pitt for five years and has dated Vince Vaughn as well as John Mayer.
Aniston also hinted that a ‘medical’ issue may have played a role in why she never got pregnant, and that it is unfair that women who do not start a family are considered as ‘damaged goods’.
In February, the Emmy winner split from her second husband, Justin Theroux.
This time, rather than let the tabloids go crazy, the Wanderlust actress addressed the harassment in Hollywood and how she feels women are treated unfairly by the media.
“It’s pretty crazy,” she told the magazine. “The misconceptions are ‘Jen can’t keep a man,’ and ‘Jen refuses to have a baby because she’s selfish and committed to her career.’
Or that I’m sad and heartbroken. First, with all due respect, I’m not heartbroken. Those are reckless assumptions,” she added.
READ ALSO: Jennifer Aniston hits back at claims she’s too ‘selfish’ to have children.
The Cake star has mercilessly been scrutinized for not having children, often being compared to Pitt’s estranged wife Angelina Jolie, 43, who has six children.
“No one knows what’s going on behind closed doors. No one considers how sensitive that might be for my partner and me. They don’t know what I’ve been through medically or emotionally.
There is a pressure on women to be mothers, and if they are not, then they’re deemed damaged goods. Maybe my purpose on this planet isn’t to procreate. Maybe I have other things I’m supposed to do?”
The cover girl seemed to be in the mood for serious topics as she also touched on sexism.
“I’ve definitely had my fair share of sexism in the media,” Aniston said. “Women are picked apart and pitted against one another based on looks and clothing and superficial stuff. When a couple breaks up in Hollywood, it’s the woman who is scorned. The woman is left sad and alone. She’s the failure.”
“F**k that,” Aniston continued. “When was the last time you read about a divorced, childless man referred to as a spinster?”
READ ALSO: “My value as a woman is not measured by motherhood,” says Jennifer Aniston
Aniston’s comments were welcomed by other celebrities. Actress Viola Davis urged women to stop bringing each other down.
“Our lives are a vast paradox of accomplishments that go beyond a man, a child and the superficial. We are worthy,” she wrote on Twitter.
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