Millie Bobby Brown, renowned for her acting prowess, courageously addressed the issue of childhood sexualization during a conversation on The Guilty Feminist podcast. The young and talented actress gained fame through her portrayal of Eleven in the popular series Stranger Things. She openly shared her experiences of grappling with inappropriate comments and being objectified from a young age. Although Brown is currently 19 years old, she shed light on how her transition into adulthood, particularly at 18, had a profound impact on her and her perception of the world.
Navigating the Disturbing Realities of Adulthood:
In her discussion, Brown highlighted a significant shift that accompanied her 18th birthday. She noticed a distinct change in how people treated her and how the media and the public perceived her as she entered adulthood. She emphasized that her post-18 experiences mirrored the challenges faced by young adults universally – the complexities of relationships, friendships, and self-discovery. She shared, “I deal with the same things any 18-year-old is dealing with, navigating being an adult and having relationships and friendships, and it’s all of those things.”
Reflecting on Troubling Memories:
Brown delved into memories from her earlier years in the entertainment industry, recalling instances where she was unfairly criticized for her choice of clothing. One vivid memory was from a red carpet event when she was just 16 years old. She found herself subjected to intense scrutiny for her outfit choice. Feeling perplexed by the disproportionate attention on her attire rather than the event’s essence – celebrating and honoring art and talent – she expressed, “I just got crucified, I thought, ‘is this really what we should be talking about?’ We should be talking about the incredible people that were there at the awards show, the talent that was there, the people we are representing.”
Confronting a Disturbing Reality:
Brown didn’t shy away from expressing her dismay at the “disturbing” and “gross” truth of how young girls are frequently objectified in the entertainment industry. She highlighted that such encounters contribute to a culture where appearances often overshadow one’s achievements.
Empowerment and Self-Care:
In a commendable move to safeguard her personal space and mental well-being, Brown decided to step back from sharing intimate aspects of her life on social media. She referred to these platforms as unwelcoming spaces and expressed her intention to be more deliberate in shaping her public image.
Millie Bobby Brown’s candid discussion sheds light on the harsh realities of growing up in the spotlight and the challenges of dealing with objectification at a young age. Her insights emphasize the importance of fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment in the entertainment industry and beyond.
