The Smart Blonde (dare I say?)

When I ask you to think about 

a tall blonde woman donned in a pink and black suit with pink high heels, 

what do you think??

If you are like the majority of the United States, you would have said something to the effect of 'ditz', 'airhead', 'outgoing', maybe even 'promiscuous'?  Well, because sex sells, and this is the stereotypical 'model' type, it is understandable for people to have a preconceived notion as to who a person is because of their appearance.  I admit that even I catch myself placing stereotypes and judgments on other women.  At the heart of it though, a blonde woman is the same as a brunette woman who is the same as any other human being as far as worth and potential are concerned.  Unfortunately, this is not how people are portrayed in the media.  I have found blatant proof this week.


The other day, I was on Facebook, and the local news station posted a question.  They wanted to know what the community felt about the new "Lingerie Football League", specifically if it was a good influence on our young women.  Now, I had an opinion about this (surprising, I know).  It was not my opinion that mattered in this story however; it was the comments from other people on the thread.  I was appalled and genuinely impressed at two different groups of people who were commenting.  One group was blatantly against this league for reasons that most responsible human beings would agree with...objectification of women, terrible example for young women who are already confused as to what is "healthy", and an unfortunate show of what "men" should be attracted to.  The other group that was interesting to see were the guys whose comments were all along the lines of:


 "Dude, this is a grate idea, ass good as porn.  You gize that dont like it just dont look well in lingerie so you are jellus"... My only comeback to that is that the LFL has officially captured their target audience.  


Regardless of whether I agree with the idea is erroneous at this point.  Its coming to Minnesota, its something that just needs to be talked about with our young people and avoided if its not your cuppa tea.  For the record, I know this stuff is real and media is unfair to the average human.  The only time that I really get frustrated and legitimately hurt is when I have people who assume that I am lacking substance because of my image.  It is especially sad when they find out that I am successful and their first thought is that I slept my way to the top...  I would love to tattoo a disclaimer on my forehead.  The tattoo would sound something like 


"Yes I have blonde hair, and I am tall, and I love heels and doing my hair and makeup, and yeah, I'm flirty and outgoing; AND I have an IQ of 122 which is 2 standard deviations above average, I have conquered a whole career and gotten through an abusive marriage with my dignity and NOW I'm in school with plans to go to grad school.  Now what?!"  


I know it is a moot point, but im just sayin...there isn't one person on earth that fully fits in a stereotype because we are all different.  I am working on loving me, and the first step that I took was realizing that I do not need to fit into the box that allows other people to understand me.  To rely on stereotypes in order to organize your thoughts and opinions on things is lazy in my opinion.  Before you judge me, get to know me, walk a day in my shoes, do your research, and THEN if you don't like me....I will respect that.


Think about your notions about certain populations...do any of them serve you well, or do they limit your social circle?  We all do it, but once we realize the beliefs, it is our choice to change it, or to stay ignorant and judgmental.


Regardless of your beliefs...
You are loved!