While cruising Big Bang Theory fan message boards, I’ve noticed a trend when it comes to Bernadette. Fans either like her or they don’t. Usually, the disliking is only because of her unusually squeaky voice. Which isn’t actress Melissa Raunch’s real voice, just saying.
After last night’s episode, I really feel like Bernadette may be overlooked when it comes to her strong feminine character. Penny is beautiful and her relationship with Leonard is high priority to the story lines. Amy has great lines, is quirky, and is overall adorkable with or without Sheldon for laughs. But it looks like the writers of the Big Bang Theory are really shining through for Bernadette’s character with her pregnancy story line.
In the Military Miniaturization, Bernadette really opens up about how she feels about being a woman in a man’s line of work. This occurs because of her fear of losing a special research project because of her pregnancy. You can really see the emotion come through as she yelled at Amy, “Look at me! Listen to me!” Of course, referring to her overall cute girlish look and childlike voice in a man’s world. In other words, she’s an underdog.
Bernadette being an awesome scientist.
Picture taken from: http://www.cbs.com/
Glamour said it best by writing: “With one scene, Bernadette gave voice to millions of other women who have often felt judged because of their job, their appearance, or their personality.”
Bernadette went on further about the differences between men and women in the workplace by stating:
“I’ve always been treated differently. Look at me! Listen to me! The first thought isn’t, that’s a scientist; it’s I wonder if her mommy knows where she is. I’ve worked so hard to get where I am and I don’t want to get sent back to square one because I’m pregnant.”
Of course, the drama takes a comedic twist when we find out what Bernadette did about the problem: “I reminded [my boss] he’s an old, rich, white guy, and I’m just a sweet, little pregnant lady not afraid to cry in front of a jury.”
I’m not condoning blackmail, but there comes a time in life where everyone has to do something they really don’t want to do. Bernadette worked hard to get into a field that is very challenging and she loves it. She deserves everything she has earned thus far.
In addition to the work taboos, we now live in a society where it is frowned upon to not want children in a marriage or committed relationship. We learned earlier that Bernadette isn’t particularly fond of children, but she agreed to have them for Howard. And that’s perfectly fine! I am currently engaged and my partner and I have agreed not to try for children because I’m physically disabled and he’s not fond of children. Our families understand, no one is harassing us for grandchildren, and if we do happen to get pregnant, we’re going to be the best parents we can be, and that’s fine too!
Conclusion
Bernadette is really helping to push these ideas into the spotlight. She’s a pregnant woman that doesn’t really care for kids, but is happy with the path she is on. She is afraid to be a mother because of her opinions on the subject, but she will do her best to be a good mother. That’s all that really matters in the end.
