Harvey Weinstein: Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik accused of 'victim blaming' in New York Times op-ed
Actress was branded 'mean-spirited' for the piece about disgraced film mogul where she appeared to imply that clothing and behaviour could invite sexual assault
The Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik has attracted fierce criticism for an op-ed she penned about the multiple allegations of sexual assault and harassment made against Harvey Weinstein.
Writing for the New York Times, which broke the story of the allegations against Weinstein, Bialik said that although she was “shocked and disgusted” by the accusations, she was not surprised.
“I quickly learned even as a preteen actress that young girls with doe eyes and pouty lips who spoke in a high register were favoured for roles by the powerful men who made those decisions,” Bialik wrote.
She went on to claim the choices she makes today that she deems to be “self-protecting and wise.”
“I have decided that my sexual self is best reserved for private situations with those I am most intimate with,” she said. “I dress modestly. I don't act flirtatiously with men as a policy.”
The piece sparked an immediate backlash from critics on social media who said Bialik was implying that a conservative wardrobe and modest behaviour could protect someone from sexual assault.
They also pointed out that she appeared to have ignored how the central motive behind sexual assault and harassment is power, not sexual desire.
Others denounced her for apparently demonizing women based on how closely they met typical standards of beauty in Hollywood, and suggesting they invited harassment because of their looks.
Bialik is right but it's not popular to admit the truth. If Scarlett Johansson was a 300lb burn victim wearing a moo moo no human would want to have sex with her. And Weinstein wouldn't assault her.
If Scarlett Johansson was her normal svelte self wearing a bikini everyone would want to have sex with her and Weinstein would assault her.
Appearance and demeanor dictates everything between these two extremes
Actress was branded 'mean-spirited' for the piece about disgraced film mogul where she appeared to imply that clothing and behaviour could invite sexual assault
The Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik has attracted fierce criticism for an op-ed she penned about the multiple allegations of sexual assault and harassment made against Harvey Weinstein.
Writing for the New York Times, which broke the story of the allegations against Weinstein, Bialik said that although she was “shocked and disgusted” by the accusations, she was not surprised.
“I quickly learned even as a preteen actress that young girls with doe eyes and pouty lips who spoke in a high register were favoured for roles by the powerful men who made those decisions,” Bialik wrote.
She went on to claim the choices she makes today that she deems to be “self-protecting and wise.”
“I have decided that my sexual self is best reserved for private situations with those I am most intimate with,” she said. “I dress modestly. I don't act flirtatiously with men as a policy.”
The piece sparked an immediate backlash from critics on social media who said Bialik was implying that a conservative wardrobe and modest behaviour could protect someone from sexual assault.
They also pointed out that she appeared to have ignored how the central motive behind sexual assault and harassment is power, not sexual desire.
Others denounced her for apparently demonizing women based on how closely they met typical standards of beauty in Hollywood, and suggesting they invited harassment because of their looks.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/mayim-bialik-new-york-times-op-ed-harvey-weinstein-victim-blaming-big-bang-theory-hollywood-women-a8001416.html
#CouldBeAnotherReason