I nearly forgot to mention it in my last post, but I adore Ashley Judd. Always have, and I suspect that I always will. I probably know more of her as a woman, than I do of her work* but she’s always impressed me.

In an industry rife with fluff, she’s never struck me as one who shied away from substance.

Recently folks in the media have been making unkind comments about her appearance. In response, here’s a piece that she wrote for The Daily Beast.

From the introduction:

As an actor and woman who, at times, avails herself of the media, I am painfully aware of the conversation about women’s bodies, and it frequently migrates to my own body. I know this, even though my personal practice is to ignore what is written about me. I do not, for example, read interviews I do with news outlets. I hold that it is none of my business what people think of me. I arrived at this belief after first, when I began working as an actor 18 years ago, reading everything. I evolved into selecting only the “good” pieces to read. Over time, I matured into the understanding that good and bad are equally fanciful interpretations. I do not want to give my power, my self-esteem, or my autonomy, to any person, place, or thing outside myself. I thus abstain from all media about myself. The only thing that matters is how I feel about myself, my personal integrity, and my relationship with my Creator. Of course, it’s wonderful to be held in esteem and fond regard by family, friends, and community, but a central part of my spiritual practice is letting go of otheration. And casting one’s lot with the public is dangerous and self-destructive, and I value myself too much to do that.

However, the recent speculation and accusations in March feel different, and my colleagues and friends encouraged me to know what was being said…

Honestly. As I read the article, I kept asking myself, “Why isn’t this woman a professor?”

*Did you know that Ms. Judd was on Star Trek: The Next Generation? Oh, yes, she was…