The Dumb Blonde

The "Dumb Blonde"

American culture contains a wide array of prejudices and stigmas. Racism, ageism, and even social class are all forms of these. Another one we can add to the list is that of the "dumb blonde." This represents a popular stigma in American culture that is harmful to women's self-image and sends a negative message to society that is counterproductive for women's rights. There are countless successful and heroic women that are blonde who did not have to play "dumb" in order to become famous and succeed in every endeavor they took on.

The stereotype of the "dumb blonde" can be interpreted in many different ways, however, there are a few main things that are generally associated with it. As a rule of thumb the "dumb blonde" is normally perceived as unintelligent but very attractive. Various studies have shown that blonde is considered by many to be the most desired hair color. Blondes are also often seen as more popular, fun, bubbly, and feminine than women with other hair colors (Beddow). The physical attributes of blondes is often considered to be there best feature. They are seen as lacking qualities considered important in other hair colors such as morals and the ability to think rationally.

The blonde stereotype did not just come into being overnight. It began in the 1920's with the release of Anita Loos' book Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in which the lead character is depicted as a bubble headed ditz who lives by the saying "a girl with brains ought to do something else with them besides think" (Foege). This ideal was embraced by the American public and has persisted through the generations, being reinvented with each passing decade. In the 1930's the role was embodied on the big screen through actress Jean Harlow in the 50's it was the curvaceous bomb shell Marilyn Monroe. After World War II Jayne Mansfield took on the role and in the 70's Goldie Hawn's television antics were beloved by many Americans (Foege). Current ruling queens of air headedness include Jessica Simpson, Reese Witherspoon and Britney Spears (Foege).

A question that we all ask but generally do not voice is can these women really be as dumb is they would like us to believe? Many think the answer is no, that these women are essentially using this image as a marketing strategy. It is a means to get noticed and due to the enduring nature of this persona it is an easy way to become well liked in a short amount of time. Take Jessica Simpson as an example: she was a B list celebrity on the outskirts of the Hollywood social circle until her famous blunder on her reality show "Newly Weds." During one episode she asks whether Chicken of the Sea was really chicken or tuna. This simple "mistake" is when her career took off, opening up opportunities for commercials, movies, and jump starting her music career (Foege). Can we really believe that something Ms. Simpson gained so much from was a simple mistake? It seems very coincidental and is a reoccurring theme in Hollywood. Things that seem like idiotic blunders actually further the careers of many actresses who happen to be blonde. Mistakes that would end the careers of actresses possessing any other hair color. No, these women aren't as dumb as they seem.

Another question that rises is why this stereotype is so popular. Why do we so readily accept and enjoy it? Studies have shown that even though blondes make up a small percentage of the overall population, they are over represented in the media (Beddow). The reason behind this is still debated but there are several prevailing theories. One theory on the popularity of the "dumb blonde" stigma is that its simplistic nature is a sort of escape from all the problems that plague our society. With so many sources of stress in our everyday lives, financial troubles, terrorism and the uncertain state of our government, it is a welcome relief to be able to laugh and take in the shallow concerns of these women (Foege). Another reason some people say it is accepted is because men are often represented poorly in the media now. Examples such as the movie Dumb and Dumber, Dude Where's my Car and the show Friends demonstrate that men are shown in a poor light as well. This makes women playing the same role less offensive and more acceptable. In the media this has put the sexes on more equal ground. Others argue that the matter is quite simply because women choose to play this role and that in it self makes it okay. One anonymous feminist group says that the prevailing attitude among women is "I'll be a bimbo if I want to be" (Foege). The fact that they are choosing this role instead of being "forced" into it makes it seem acceptable. All of these factors lead the American people to not question this issue.

Some people argue that the "dumb blonde" is just an innocent stereotype that doesn't cause any harm (Foege). There is research however that indicates this to be an outlet for sexist views. It is widely apparent that a popular application of the "dumb blonde" stigma is through "dumb blonde" jokes. One study where people were asked to rate the offensiveness of various "dumb blonde" jokes and then fill out a survey on social views found that men who reported high amusement with these jokes were "more likely to endorse Rape Myth Acceptance, Adversarial Sexual Beliefs,