Melissa McCarthy Shares Incredibly Uplifting Feminist Advice for Women

Melissa McCarthy has shared her incredibly uplifting feminist philosophies in a new interview with Redbook.

The actress, whose upcoming film Ghostbustershas inspired misogynistic backlash for starring an all-female cast, spoke out on the importance of feminism in today's society. So when McCarthy hears young women say, "I am not a feminist," she tells Redbook, "I always think, 'Oh, that sounds so dumb.' And I don't mean that in a hateful way. It just sounds so ill-informed. Do you think women should be paid less? You don't believe in equality for women? I think people have worked hard to put a negative spin on the word."

In addition to acting, McCarthy also heads a growing fashion line and hopes to help women of all sizes feel chic and happy in their clothes. "A good portion of women in America are size 14 and higher. I just try to make clothing that'll make all women feel really good," she says. "When I feel good about my clothes, I'm more patient with my kids. I don't beep at the guy in his car texting in front of me. I look at the world a little differently. The small happy moments add up. A little bit of joy goes a long way."

Yanic Truesdale trolls Gilmore Girls fans by hanging out with Melissa McCarthy

McCarthy has also been the victim of body shaming many times in the media, and is taking whatever steps necessary to help her daughters maintain a positive body image. "Give me your best punch in the face, and I'll take that punch, rather than have my kid feel bad about herself," McCarthy says. "There's an epidemic in our country of girls and women feeling bad about themselves based on what .5% of the human race looks like. It starts very young. My message is that as long as everybody's healthy, enjoy and embrace whatever body type you have."

In general, McCarthy says she thinks there's far too much judgment in society - particularly among women. "With women, there's this constant weird cultural thing where we're always supposed to be comparing ourselves with one another. Who wore it best? Whose butt's better?" she explained. "Instead, how about if everyone wins? How intensely boring would it be if we were all the same?"