Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik got a seductive introduction to Ariana Grande last week.
Driving around Los Angeles, she spotted a billboard promoting Grande's new album, My Everything. The display featured a photo of Grande (probably this one), which offended Bialik to the point that she took to her blog to protest.
"I am old-fashioned. My kids have clothes they only wear to synagogue. I don't favour my kids cursing. I dress modestly. I don't want my kids learning about sex from billboards. Stuff like that.
Which is why a few billboards I have seen lately really bug me. There is one for Ariana Grande, and I will go ahead and admit I have no idea who she is or what she does. Based on the billboard, she sells lingerie. Or stiletto heels. Or plastic surgery because every woman over 22 wishes she has that body, I'm sure.
Why is she in her underwear on this billboard though? And if she has a talent (is she a singer?), then why does she have to sell herself in lingerie? I mean, I know that society is patriarchal and women are expected to be sexy and sexually available no matter what we do in society, but I guess now I need to explain that to my sons?"
(s/o Contact)
In short: yes. Grande is a musical commodity that comes sexually charged, as she's basically done everything in her power to remove the Disney tag around her neck over the past few months.
Is what Grande is doing feminist expression or simply another cheap contribution to a society rigged by hegemonic masculinity? Well, that's another conversation for a different time, but Bialik seems to have at least opened the floor to an interesting conversation.
