Discussing the rampant sexism in Hollywood (and otherwise) is no longer taboo, so many actresses have been speaking out about their own struggles in the industry. Big names like Jennifer Lawrence, Amanda Seyfried, Amy Adams, Rachel Weisz, and Renee Zellweger have all spoken out about the wage gap and impossible beauty standards, using their positions of power for good. The latest actress to join in their battle cry is Bad Moms‘ Mila Kunis, who penned an essay on A Plus, a website started by her husband Ashton Kutcher, calling out an unnamed producer who threatened her career.
“You’ll never work in this town again.”
A cliché to be sure, but also what a producer threatened when I refused to pose semi-naked on the cover of a men’s magazine to promote our film. I was no longer willing to subject myself to a naïve compromise that I had previously been willing to. “I will never work in this town again?” I was livid, I felt objectified, and for the first time in my career I said “no.” And guess what? The world didn’t end. The film made a lot of money and I did work in this town again, and again, and again. What this producer may never realize is that he spoke aloud the exact fear every woman feels when confronted with gender bias in the workplace.
Kunis went on to say that all women experience their own pressures from society, and that she for one is tired of bowing to the pressure, instead pledging to do what she can to end this kind of gender bias.
I’m done compromising; even more so, I’m done with being compromised. So from this point forward, when I am confronted with one of these comments, subtle or overt, I will address them head on; I will stop in the moment and do my best to educate. I cannot guarantee that my objections will be taken to heart, but at least now I am part of creating an environment where there is the opportunity for growth.
To her credit, Kunis does acknowledge that she is in a much different position than many women, but it’s good to see her doing her part. The entire essay is worth a look and is further proof that Kunis has a good head on her shoulders.
(Via A Plus)
