No, Mayim Bialik Is Not ‘Victim-Blaming’, She’s Exactly Right About Women And Sexual Harassment

On Friday, Big Bang Theory actress Mayim Bialik penned a refreshingly honest New York Times op-ed concerning womanhood in a “Harvey Weinstein world,” focusing in particular on handling life in Hollywood. Bialik called out the entertainment industry’s superficially exploitative culture and dared to suggest women keep their eyes open and behave accordingly in an effort to protect themselves from harassment and objectification.

“I have always had an uncomfortable relationship with being employed in an industry that profits on the objectification of women,” wrote the Blossom star.

Aware of the seedy industry, Bialik’s parents set the tone early that she was not to allow herself to be talked down to or change who she is to adhere to some impossible beauty standard.

My mom didn’t let me wear makeup or get manicures. She encouraged me to be myself in audition rooms, and I followed my mother’s strong example to not put up with anyone calling me “baby” or demanding hugs on set. I was always aware that I was out of step with the expected norm for girls and women in Hollywood.

At 41, Bialik says she still clings to this “self-protecting and wise” decision making. “I have decided that my sexual self is best reserved for private situations with those I am most intimate with. I dress modestly. I don’t act flirtatiously with men as a policy,” she wrote.

Feminists smelled blood in the water.

Bialik’s earnest take resulted in her being instantly branded as a victim-blaming, anti-woman monster.

But the virtue-signaling condemnation is as unnecessary as a push-up bra on Dolly Parton.

Bialik repeatedly clarified that women, no matter their appearance or flirtatious actions, should never be blamed for a man sexually harassing them; she was merely stating the reality of Hollywood culture and how women should resist being sucked into the vortex of exploitation.

“In a perfect world, women should be free to act however they want,” wrote the actress. “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.”

Attempting to protect yourself from possible exploitation or harassment is not an expression of “internalized misogyny,” it’s smart and natural.

Moreover, the actress is making this point precisely because women are worth more than their looks and sex.

“If you are beautiful and sexy, terrific. But having others celebrate your physical beauty is not the way to lead a meaningful life,” Bialik added.

This is true, of course. While it’s wonderful and healthy to feel good about, and even celebrate your appearance, we are more than just the physical — and a focus on only our shell can’t lead to any real fulfillment.

It’s also worthy to note of that the same feminists who are slamming Bialik for her honest take are the same women who are the first to demonize men as innately dangerous and predatory; just check out the latest #IWill hashtag aimed at men in response to the #MeToo movement.

If they actually believed this, how exactly can they condemn Bialik’s op-ed?