Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Beauty Pageants, Barbie, and icons such as Marilyn Monroe in terms of beauty and sexuality during the 1950s are somewhat diversified. For starters, Yolande Betbeze has crowned the new Miss America in 1951. She resigned her position when asked to pose in swimwear creating an image that there is more to being Miss America than being a pin-up girl. As stated by Betbeze in the dialogue article, “…scholarship foundation, the reason I’m here (“Transcript”).” This period was known for being extremely modest, the complete opposite of what our generation is today.

Although Miss America is known for being beautiful, many know there is a lot more to get out of in the pageant industry than just focusing on beauty and sexuality. There will always be the stereotypes for pageantry, once been in the industry myself, however, the 1950’s appeared as a time when there was more than just being a pretty face.

Secondly, when discussing Barbie, it is apparent in 1959 commercial that they as well appear modestly dressed and conservative.

Straying away from two-piece swimsuits and low-cut dresses, Barbie is displayed differently than how she would be presented today. Although Barbie’s appearance is beautiful, the brand does not come across to me as sexy.

Marilyn Monroe is known for being a film actress and sex symbol. Many admired her for her sexy image, although many were quick to judge according to the Marilyn Monroe article. As stated in the article, “She was sensual and at ease before the camera, and her direct sexuality–mingled with her beauty, her innocence, and she now lightened blonde hair (“Marilyn Monroe”).

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She was a smart individual who took her past experiences and displayed her emotion throughout her projects as an actress. Many portray her as a “dumb blonde,” although her profanity was non-threatening. Though many judged beauty pageants, Barbie/ its image, and icons such as Marilyn Monroe, it remained popular during conservative times. Every girl dream of being the next beautiful Miss America and on September 11th of 1954, the pageant was broadcasted live for the first time on national television, engaging 27 million individuals. This gave the average American to feel a part of the contest as if they had a say and got a glimpse of what they go through during pageants. People became involved as if it were their life and as if they were judging themselves. Barbie in my opinion after reading and watching commercials came across as this flawless figure anyone would want to be. For that, it became popular in the sense that if Barbie was classy, I will be too. Marilyn Monroe is also a very significant point during this conservative time. “Her sexuality and vulnerability proving to be a potent and attractive mixture” as stated in the Marilyn Monroe article. She came across that you can be sexy and have brains, not one or the other. In my opinion, Marilyn gave girls confidence that they can be whoever they wanted to be and that people will judge regardless.

Pageants, Barbie, and Marilyn Monroe maintain messages that overwhelm that time. For example, when Betbeze stood up for herself by not wearing the swimsuit suit, she agreed with the subject during that season of being a preservationist and it’s not about sex offers. Barbie during the 50’s portrayed a tasteful vibe and nothing like how the plugs show up today. Marilyn Monroe exhibits that even though being tasteful is significant, sexuality is as well.

Ultimately, race and class play a factor when talking about these three themes. The 1948 event states, ‘Competitor must be healthy and of the white race(‘Contract’).’ Times have changed and today, there would be no such guideline. Furthermore, the Barbie business doesn’t have any decent variety of races, all white. Although Marilyn is a white lady, others utilize the generalization of being a ‘stupid blonde,’ however, was not destructive.