Why Kim Cattrall finds being called "childless" offensive

by

Sara McGinnis

posted in Celebrities

Despite never having birthed a child, adopted a child or married someone who has children, Kim Cattrall insists she is a mother.

The Sex and the City actress, who celebrated turning 59 last month, opened up about her dislike of being labeled "childless" while guest editing BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour on Monday.

"I am not a biological parent, but I am a parent," she explained. "I have young actors and actresses that I mentor, I have nieces and nephews that I am very close to."

Kim Cattrall went on to share, "You can express that maternal side, very clearly, very strongly. It feels very satisfying. I didn’t change nappies, which is okay with me, but I did help my niece get through medical school. I did sit down with my nephew when he was [going through] a very tough time to join the army. And those are very motherly things to do, very nurturing things to do."

Getting into the details of why the word "childless" in particular bothers her, she added:

"It's the 'less' that is offensive – childless – it sounds like you're less because you haven't had a child. There is a way to become a mother in this day and age which doesn't include your name on the child's birth certificate. You can express that maternal side, very clearly, very strongly. It feels very satisfying."

As much as I support a person's right to choose not to have children, I'm having a hard time getting on board with this star's outlook.

If Kim had said something to the effect of, "I'm not a mother, but I'm a mentor, and I find great satisfaction in nurturing that way," I'd completely understand, but the truth is I see the two roles as very different. There's an option as a childless (or child-free, if you prefer) adult for the mentoring to fall away. Busy schedules and whatnot can override the best of intentions and that's all right -- but the role of mother or father is ironclad.

To me, there's an undeniable difference that can't be so easily overlooked. That's not to say a young person might not be greatly influenced by their mentor or feel very close to them, that the work they are doing isn't incredible, but it's just not the same. Perhaps I'm being too black and white about the whole thing, however.

Do you think the term childless is offensive? From what Kim Cattrall shared, do you consider her a mother? Share with us by leaving a comment below!

Photos: PR Photos

 

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