Sexual Harassment is becoming more and more of a visible issue. Mayim Bialik did an op-ed piece for the New York Times on Women and Sexual Harassment in Hollywood. First let me state ~ I really like Mayim Bialik, a star on The Big Bang Theory and the author of Girling Up: How to Be Strong, Smart and Spectacular. (If you haven’t read it, click here to get yourself a copy).
She is adorable, outspoken and EXTREMELY Intelligent. Apparently, quite a few people misunderstood what her actual opinion is. They accused her of implying that if you dress more modestly and watch your behavior you will be protected from anyone harassing you sexually. All I can think is ~ really? Come on people ~ this woman is not only an actress but she is a neuroscientist. Clearly, this is not what she meant at all.
Mayim did a wonderful FACEBOOK LIVE where she explains her op-ed piece very clearly. She unequivocally states that she didn’t intent to imply that you can be protected from exploitation by the clothing you wear or behavior you exhibit.
She emphasizes that how you dress and how you act do NOT cause assault. Assault is an act of power.
In her industry she feels better dressing modestly, but states that “for some women protecting parts of themselves gives a feeling of protection but it doesn’t make you immune.”
She discusses the Exploitation of Women and says “The only people responsible for their behavior are the predators that are committing the horrendous acts. The only way to turn this around are for the women who are coming forward to keep sharing their experiences. She also adds that men, who want to join in the conversation, should come forward as well.”
She is not in any way victim blaming ~ in 900 words she did the best she could to discuss a very complicated dynamic subject. “This topic really should be for a thesis or a very long talk.”
We live in a Patriarchal Society that needs to be modified. We need to continue working on a Society where Women are Equal. A Society for Women to feel Safe to:
- act how they want
- feel free to be who they want
- dress how they want
- and do all this without fear, judgement or shame from men or other Women
{Thought I’d share this video she did on her thoughts about raising her sons in this crazy world}
This from the original oped piece: “I am grateful to bring Amy Farrah Fowler to life on the No. 1 sitcom in America. I am honored to depict a feminist who speaks her mind, who loves science and her friends and who sometimes wishes she were the hot girl.
In a perfect world, women should be free to act however they want. But our world isn’t perfect. Nothing — absolutely nothing — excuses men for assaulting or abusing women. But we can’t be naïve about the culture we live in.
In the meantime, I plan to continue to work hard to encourage young women to cultivate the parts of themselves that may not garner them money and fame. If you are beautiful and sexy, terrific. But having others celebrate your physical beauty is not the way to lead a meaningful life.
And if — like me — you’re not a perfect 10, know that there are people out there who will find you stunning, irresistible and worthy of attention, respect and love. The best part is you don’t have to go to a hotel room or a casting couch to find them.”
Another opinion ~ Op-ed Piece in New York Times ~ “Ms. Bialik was telling her own story in the context of offering a cultural critique of an unhealthy Hollywood cycle that hyper sexualizes women and creates an unrealistic and unhealthy body image. This in turn causes women to lose self-esteem and makes the traditionally beautiful women whom Hollywood attracts especially vulnerable to abuse by the powerful men who dominate the industry.”
And to read another opinion From the Daily Wire click here
My opinion is that The answer is for Women to say NO to sexual harassment no matter what the industry. When the World of Women say NO, this will be the beginning of the end to this horrible and disgusting behavior. I agree wholeheartedly with Mayim when she states that ITS ON US. Men also need to call out other men when they see sexual assault. It’s on Men and it’s on Women ~ IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY AND OBLIGATION.
Bullies back down when confronted. We need to all speak up to those committing these vulgar acts so they too will back down.
Let me leave you with this thought ~ if you think of assaulting anyone, if you see anyone assaulting anyone, PICTURE the victim as your Mom or your Daughter. Do the right thing and let’s make this society one we are all proud to live in.
