“Big Bang Theory” star Mayim Bialik recently released a new video commentary in which she proclaimed that “getting naked is not the only way to feel empowered as a beautiful person” and decried pornography’s portrayal of women.
“We live in a culture so confused about how to treat women — a culture where sexual assault and rape are an epidemic,” Bialik said. “A culture where pornography presents an unrealistic and often disturbing view of women.”
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The 41-year-old actress opened the clip titled, “Why Is Everyone Getting Naked?” by saying that she’s noticed an increased trend on her social media feeds of plus-sized models taking their clothing off in the “name of empowerment,” and she said the ongoing narrative that disrobing is the best form of empowerment is making her “a little bit nuts.”
“All of the models I see … talking about female empowerment are doing so by getting naked,” Bialik proclaimed, noting that many athletes and celebrities are jumping on the same bandwagon. “I think the trap that we’re falling into is that we start to equate empowerment, not with strength or intelligence or confidence, but with sexiness.”
Bialik said that this unfortunate dynamic sends a message to young girls to “be sexy” above all else and noted that the overall package sends a confusing message that touts being a “sexualized object” as a form of empowerment.
“No matter what you accomplish or achieve or stand for, what really matters most is to be featured on the pages of a magazine that typically displays women who are paid to maintain a sexy appearance,” she continued. “The message is: I should be celebrated, and the way that I do that is by presenting myself as a sexualized object.”
Bialik affirmed her belief that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with sexiness or beauty, but said true empowerment unfolds when women are “seen as equal partners in a creative and productive culture.”
Watch her message below:
(H/T: E!)