The 'Big Bang Theory' actress is slammed by many including fellow Patricia Arquette after implying that modest behavior could save someone from sexual assault.
- Oct 15, 2017
AceShowbiz - Mayim Bialik sparked controversy over her comments about sexual harassment in a New York Times op-ed amid the explosive Harvey Weinstein scandal. Fellow actress Patricia Arquette was one of the people accusing "The Big Bang Theory" star of victim-shaming.
Bialik talked about "the upside of not being a 'perfect ten.' " She wrote, "As a proud feminist with little desire to diet, get plastic surgery or hire a personal trainer, I have almost no personal experience with men asking me to meetings in their hotel rooms. Those of us in Hollywood who don't represent an impossible standard of beauty have the 'luxury' of being overlooked and, in many cases, ignored by men in power unless we can make them money."
The mother of two chose to dress modestly and avoided acting "flirtatiously with men." The 41-year-old actress explained, "I have decided that my sexual self is best reserved for private situations with those I am most intimate with."
"I am entirely aware that these types of choices might feel oppressive to many young feminists. Women should be able to wear whatever they want. They should be able to flirt however they want with whomever they want. Why are we the ones who have to police our behavior?" she added. "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 naive about the culture we live in."
"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."
In response to Bialik's op-ed, Patricia Arquette tweeted, "@missmayim229 I have to say I was dressed non provocatively as a 12 year old when men on the street masturbated at me. It's not clothing." She added, "It is also not outrageous for anyone to expected to be treated in a professional manner by anyone in a professional relationship."
@missmayim229 I have to say I was dressed non provocatively as a 12 year old when men on the street masturbated at me. It's not clothing.
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 14, 2017
Many others challenged Bialik's comments. She responded on Twitter, "I'm being told my N.Y Times piece resonated with so many and I am beyond grateful for all the feedback. I also see a bunch of people have taken my words out of context of the Hollywood machine and twisted them to imply that God forbid I would blame a woman for her assault based on her clothing or behaviour."
"Anyone who knows me and my feminism knows that's absurd and not at all what this piece was about," she continued. "It's so sad how vicious people are being when I basically live to make things better for women.' I am doing a Facebook live with N.Y Times Monday morning. Let's discuss it then."
Being told my @NYTimes piece resonated w/ so many. Also see some have taken my words out of the context of the Hollywood machine. See below: pic.twitter.com/0NmxtAF1vP
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) October 15, 2017
Bialik also discussed sexual harassment in her YouTube channel. She was "disgusted" but "not surprised" by Harvey Weinstein scandal. She talked about ensuring that "girls and women do not fear [her] sons." Among the things that she taught them about were equality, rights, and consent. She also made sure they understood the consequences of alcohol and drugs.
"You are responsible for where you are," she additionally said. "If you are in a place where there are bad things going on, leave and report it... It is your responsibility to protect a man or a woman that you see in a dangerous situation. Get out, get help, call the police. That's on you."
"We are all humans on this planet, and there are a lot of bad people. But it is your job, it is my job, it is our job to do better than we can even imagine," she concluded. "Because we have inherited a broken world, and it is our job to fix it. It is not your responsibility to complete the work, but neither is it for you to ignore it. And God help us if we cannot turn this thing around, one boy at at time."
