Halle Berry Challenges Son To Rethink Gender Stereotypes

Academy award-winning actress and mom Halle Berry wants her son to grow up in a progressive way that challenges sexism and gender stereotypes.  

While appearing on a virtual panel hosted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association as a part of the Sundance Film Festival on Saturday (Jan. 30), the 54-year-old star shared how she parents her 7-year-old son Maceo Martinez. Berry shares her son with her ex-husband Oliver Martinez. 

“I have realized what my job is in raising him, If we want to have a future that’s different, that is where it starts,” she said during the panel, titled “Women Breaking Barriers: An Industry Shift.”

RELATED: Halle Berry Shuts Down Criticism After Son Wears Her Thigh High Boots

Berry said that she has looked back on the conversations that she has had with her son since he turned five. She noted that he has picked up on the differences between boys and girls and feels like he’s more superior. 

Berry, who is also the mother to her 12-year-old daughter, Nahla Ariela, says that she has pushed herself to challenge her son to rethink gender stereotypes. 

“I’ve had to really break that down for him and give him a new perspective, and challenge those thoughts and ask him to identify where that comes from, and if he believes that or not and challenge what he’s subconsciously getting from somewhere,” she continues. “I can tell that because we’re having those conversations he is going to grow as a deep thinker on the subject. He’s going to be determined not to just accept it. I keep challenging him all the time, like ‘Well, why is that a ‘girl color?’”

While in quarantine back in March of last year, the actress posted a video on her Instagram of her son playing in his mom’s stylish boots. “#Quarantine Day 12 🥴,” she captioned the post, showing how her family is staying positive and entertained while self-isolating during the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Berry was criticized for allowing her son to wear her pumps, but the mom of two had a gentle response to shut down the haters.

 “It’s tight on these kids right now. Let’s have a laugh and some compassion yawl ! ♥️🙏🏽 ,” she said. 

The actress made her directorial debut at Sundance with her MMA drama, Bruised, and was joined by Zendaya, Andra Day, Sia, Robin Wright and HFPA members Elisabeth Sereda and Silvia Bizio on the panel.  

Watch the “Women Breaking Barriers: An Industry Shift” Sundance panel below: