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In the past year, Hollywood has accomplished a lot. The amount of 2017 films that centered on marginalized groups of people is astounding and almost worthy of applause. It is about time; however, in spite of this huge cinematic step forward, Hollywood reveals its dark side.
Shiny lights and professional cameras are no longer enough to conceal the deplorable, predatory actions of several A-listers, such as Harvey Weinstein and Woody Allen. Similar to every industry, Hollywood is not immune to acts of sexual harassment and violence, which is why we unfortunately have yet another victim: Natalie Portman.
In the midst of the Women’s March and Larry Nassar’s trial, Natalie Portman shares some of her own #MeToo experiences. Specifically, she details the beginning instances of sexual harassment in her career:
Natalie Portman said experiencing “sexual terrorism” at the age of 13 made her feel the need to cover her body and inhibit expression while addressing thousands in LA gathered for the Women’s March https://t.co/LjDJxrz1DV pic.twitter.com/X9Ee9dZUBM
— CNN (@CNN) January 21, 2018
The objectification that Portman describes is both sickening and terrifying. At the mere age of 13 years old, following her first movie role, she received a chilling fan letter–a man recounts his “rape fantasy” to her.
From there, the sexual harassment continued. Radio hosts and movie reviewers eagerly waited for her to become “legal to sleep with” and awed over her “budding breasts.” Portman, in an effort to avoid an increase in harassment, went to great extremes to separate herself from being perceived as a sexual being:
“I understood very quickly, even as a 13-year-old, that if I were to express myself sexually I would feel unsafe and that men would feel entitled to discuss and objectify my body to my great discomfort. So, I quickly adjusted my behavior. I rejected any role that had a kissing scene and talked about that choice deliberately. In interviews, I emphasized how bookish I was and how serious I was. I cultivated an elegant way of dressing.”
It is troubling that Portman experienced such immoral and distasteful treatment at a very young age.
And yet, when do we draw the line? When is it enough? Instead of asking yourself why Portman felt obligated to act this certain way, ask yourself how to do we reshape the institutions that allow suffering like this to continue.
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