Mayim Bialik is not surprised by the more than 40 women—and counting—stepping forward this week with accusations of sexual assault and harassment against Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.
“I’m really not surprised that this happens,” Bialik says in a YouTube video posted on October 11. “I assume this happens all the time; that’s just what power and patriarchy look like, and it sucks.”
She says that some have mistaken her lack of shock for lack of outrage, which isn’t the case.
Bialik says she IS outraged at these allegations, but knowing a thing or two about men, the film industry and power in general, she says those who are shocked by Weinstein’s actions are simply too optimistic.
But in talking about the scandal with a close friend, Bialik’s attention was turned from Weinstein’s disgusting behavior, to the behavior of her own sons.
The friend, Avital Norman Nathman, asked Bialik, “Will your boys be like that?”
The question SHOCKED her.
And it got her thinking, “Am I raising boys who will become men that girls and women will fear?”
That simple question sent Bialik spiraling into a reflection of her own. Like most mothers, she’s raising her sons based on takeaways and inner vows from her own childhood. Things that were engrained into her, and experiences that shape the woman and mother that she is today.
It brought her to this question: “Will the lack of trust in men, that my parents raised me with, serve me well as I raise my own sons?”
But through reflection and careful consideration, Bialik was able to come up with several ways that she already parents in a way that ensures girls and women do not fear her sons.
The video is just one of the many ways Bialik, a known feminist and women’s activist, has voiced her opinions, fears and personal experiences in the industry.
On Saturday, the Big Bang Theory actress penned an article for The New York Times called, “Mayim Bialik: Being a Feminist in Harvey Weinstein’s World.”
In the piece, she details troubles she’s faced, not being the “perfect 10” in an industry who objectifies women, and places beauty on a pedestal.
“I have always had an uncomfortable relationship with being employed in an industry that profits on the objectification of women,” she writes. “Though pressure to ‘be like the pretty girls’ started long before I entered Hollywood, I quickly learned even as a preteen actress that young girls with doe eyes and pouty lips who spoke in a high register were favored for roles by the powerful men who made those decisions.”
Her article goes on to give examples of feminine behavior that every women should be able to do without question of whether or not she’s inviting sexually abusive behavior of a male.
Bialik closes her piece with an encouragement to all of the women out there who, like her, are not perfect 10s, saying there are plenty of men out there who will find you completely stunning, and worthy of respect, attention and love.
“The best part is you don’t have to go to a hotel room or a casting couch to find them.”
Her remarks resonated with women across the internet, including one outspoken Candace Cameron, who reposted Bialik’s Instagram photo saying, “Well written @missmayim! I’m in full agreement.”
Well written @missmayim ! I’m in full agreement. #Repost @missmayim ・・・ You wanted my thoughts on the decades of sexual abuse history of Harvey Weinstein, you got it. I’m livid. Read about why (link in Mayim’s bio).
It doesn’t matter what a woman wears, how she looks or what dreams of hers a man has control over; no woman should ever be coerced by a man’s sexual desires.
It’s our job to raise up a generation of boys who will be respectful men.
Men who appreciate women for their ability, strengths and smarts; not their boobs, butt and waist.
I think Mayim Bialik totally nailed it with her brutally honest discussions. Sexual harassment and assault take place everywhere—in the workplace, at the grocery store, on college campuses and anywhere else that a man with poor intentions finds himself having power over a woman. It’s time we work together to erase the stigma of shame that plagues victims, and work to create a world that is safe for every person.
