Lifestyle

Kate Winslet Says Gender Pay Gap Talk Is 'Vulgar' And She's Totally Wrong

by Niki McGloster

Don't talk about money with Kate Winslet.

In an interview with BBC Newsbeat, the British actress claimed discussing the gender pay gap is "a bit vulgar."

Unlike Jennifer Lawrence and Patricia Arquette, who've taken public stands against the gender earnings inequities, Winslet is not up for being vocal.

She said,

I'm having such a problem with these conversations. I understand why they are coming up but maybe it's a British thing. I don't like talking about money; it's a bit vulgar isn't it?"

My, how your privilege is showing, Kate!

Though her British upbringing and personal experiences may inform this sweeping, general statement, her lack of concern for the greater female population is not girl power-approved.

Quite frankly, it's the opposite of female empowerment.

She went on to assert she's never been mistreated in the industry because of her gender, which warrants a stadium full of side-eyes.

She further explained in the BBC Newsbeat article,

If I'd ever been in that situation I would have either dealt with it or removed myself from it. I find all this quite uncomfortable. I haven't ever felt that I've really had to stick up for myself just because I'm a woman.

We love you, girl, but we hate your views.

There's a difference in talking about money and talking about your money.

Look, no one's advising women start posting their paychecks to Instagram every two weeks.

In the context of personal profits, Winslet's right. Chatting about dollars and cents can be quite tactless.

However, being hush-hush about earnings is the reason women statistically make less money than men. In fact, 60 percent of Millenial women aren't asking for the salaries they deserve, according to Levo, an organization aimed at fighting for women's equal pay.

The gap between highest-paid actresses versus actors should be enough reason to speak out.

To assume Winslet's easy-breezy business dealings is the norm is narrow-minded. Though she claims she's never had a run-in with sexist male executives, there's a good chance she's not making as much as George Clooney.

Let's put things into perspective, shall we?

In 2015, Jennifer Lawrence raked in $52 million, while her highest-paid male counterpart, Robert Downey Jr., pocketed $80 million, according to Forbes' highest-paid actors and actresses lists.

As for the everyday, full-time lady worker? She takes home about 78 cents for every dollar earned by guys, according to White House statistics.

Women will have more opportunities.

There's a misconception the gender pay gap stems from women not seeking higher-paying occupations.

Tell that to women in science and tech.

There's no shortage of jobs, just a systematic unwillingness to pay women fairly or allow them to fill top-paying spots in male-dominated industries.

Harvard University labor economist Claudia Goldin found rearranging women into higher-paying occupations would erase just 15 percent of the pay gap for all workers.

That's a drop in the progress bucket when talking about high-paying jobs.

Start considering the racial wage gap, as well.

Viola Davis made it quite clear: When discussing gender pay gap, there's another conversation at play.

The White House reports African-American women earn 64 cents and Latina women earn 56 cents for every dollar earned by a white, non-Hispanic man.

Having an influential voice like Winslet and not using it to highlight the way the world views gender-biased issues is irresponsible.

A problem that doesn't affect you personally is still a problem.

Encourage other women to fight the good fight against unfair finances by discussing money at length, even if your pockets are full.