Living in the United States, you will come across some individuals who handle things less traditionally; Zoë Saldana and her husband Marco Perego happen to be a pair who has done things that way. During an interview with InStyle magazine, Saldana admitted that her husband had taken on her last name.

“I tried to talk him out of it,” Saldana, 36, told InStyle in the magazine’s July cover story. “I told him, ‘If you use my name, you’re going to be emasculated by your community of artists, by your Latin community of men, by the world.'” However, Marco insisted.

Now, with the backlash coming their way, Zoë and Marco Perego have spoken out on the matter. Marco exclaimed that he “didn’t give a s**t,” while Zoë had a more lengthy response.

JaaiR (JR)
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Fathers, sons, brothers, men everywhere:

Your legacy will not perish if you take your partner’s surname, or she keeps hers. I’ve been made aware that a comment I made regarding my marriage has garnered some attention. I felt proud that my husband decided to take my last name as his own… and I his. I shared my hesitation with him when he told me about his decision, not only did he say, “I don’t give a shhheeeetttt!!” (with a very strong Italian accent!!) he also asked me, “Why not? What are you so afraid of?” And it made me wonder… What am I so afraid of?

Why is it so surprising, shocking- eventful that a man would take his wife’s surname? Women have never been asked if its ok for them to give up their names — why doesn’t that make the news?

Men, you will not cease to exist by taking your partner’s surname. On the contrary — you’ll be remembered as a man who stood by change. I know our sons will respect and admire their father more because their father lead by example.

Gentlemen, I implore you to think outside the box- remove the box altogether. Let’s redefine masculinity. A real “man” leads along side his partner. A real man accepts his mortality. A real man acknowledges that nothing can be done alone.

I hope that the “buzz” behind this topic isn’t just for gossip — but an inspiration for us all to look within and see what is truly important.

Let’s start by letting go of some of the limitations we have inherited from the past, and forge a new path moving forward.

With Love,
Zoe and Marco

I love this approach on marriage. I have always wanted to keep my last name, however, I am not opposing the traditional method either. I say, go girl and guy.

[via]