Legally Blonde and the History of the “Dumb Blonde”

[@thetake]

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[@jalenwalker8361]

Can you do Michael from the wire

[@bauxness]

Samantha Jones please

[@val5995]

@TheTake Please do a character/siscom analysis on MOM. It has so much complex characters and goes through the people who has a harder life and makes wrong decisions(yet manages to make things funny); alcoholism, drug addics, gambling and fraud etc. I would love to watch one and it would be able to give you guys so much episodes to do. Thanks!

[@kieranstark7213]

*sees the beginning of the beginning of your video* Elle Woods: All people see when they look at me is blonde hair, bug boobs, big booty and big thighs!

[@ace93712]

This video is ok. But I find it hard to feel sympathy when white women are culturally considered the height of feminine desirability blonde or otherwise. Another problem is that white women contribute to white supremacy and oppression which is patriarchal by design. This subject is a very white feminist topic

[@paigemckinnie3207]

How dare they say a girl has to be only be pretty or smart. I'm proof that we can be neither.

[@cattledogandstaffy]

This spoke to me personally

[@lazygamercore]

Paige mckinnie Aww, I bet your actually really pretty☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️

[@victorias9117]

im neither, but at least i have good personality- wait no, scratch that.

[@lazygamercore]

trash said I bet that’s not true

[@paigemckinnie3207]

@@lazygamercore aw thank you lol

[@natishabobb3156]

this reminds me of how Hollywood sexualizes childlike or innocent behaviours in attractive women.

[@beethovensfidelio]

Natisha Bobb Why do you think women dressing up in a sexy “school girl outfit” is a popular genre in porn? 😂

[@beethovensfidelio]

Chitose Game True, although women watch porn too, and feminist porn exists (and no, it’s not an oxymoron 😂)

[@skweexer]

@@beethovensfidelio wait what-

[@misspollysdolly]

This is more extreme in other cultures tbh like the creepy Korean aegyo shit. So nasty

[@forgetfulstranger]

Take actually did a video on that

[@Hellooo134]

Legally Blonde isn’t about blonde prejudice, it’s about prejudice against the feminine. It’s about how she succeeds while holding on to her femininity despite being expected and pressured to give up either her career or her femininity, and how those ideals aren’t mutually exclusive.

[@o0KuranYuuki0o]

Why can't it be both

[@sarakjeldsen769]

Yes! :)

[@nicolehall56]

Why can it not be about both? Do you have to separate it into hair color or whether she's actually feminine? As they went through the history, they explicitly said how blondes have come to represent animalistic sexuality, yet you're saying we have to choose what it is about. It could easily have undertones of the stereotypical wasp eat brunette that is uptight, towards the end they proved that she could be equally smart and fun. I think there are a lot of messages within this movie.

[@Hellooo134]

@@nicolehall56 Personally, and of course film like all art is subjective to a great degree, I think the writers more used the stereotypes around blonde hair as a metaphor and a symbol rather than the actual focus itself.

[@nicolehall56]

Adam, I think they left it ambiguous so that the person could decide for themselves what it stands for. I mean people can think for themselves.

[@juliakay6204]

It reminds me of how sisters are encouraged to try to divide each other between the “smart” one and the “pretty” one. More often than not we’re both.

[@oof-rr5nf]

TRUE

[@trinaq]

Exactly, the most prominent examples I can think of in fiction are Daria (Smart Sister) and Quinn (Pretty Sister), and "Little Women's Jo and Amy (smart and pretty respectively). J.K. Rowling also stated in an interview once that her parents viewed her as the brainy, serious one in comparison with her more social, outgoing sister, but that neither were truly pleased with their designated roles. Why choose between beauty and brains when you can have both?🙌

[@franklinmendoza4087]

Julia Alston YES PELASE

[@1bridge11]

No. More likely you're neither.

[@angelaphsiao]

JOKES ON YOU I’M NEITHER

[@legzfalloffgirl5148]

I once asked my mom why people think blonde's are stupid... She said "because blonde women are often seen as beautiful and people don't like to believe you can smart and beautiful at the same time." YEP

[@eoincampbell1584]

That idea goes all the way back to the Myth of Pandora where (in Hesiod's account) Pandora was seen as evil because she was intelligent and beautiful at the same time, and opened the box purposefully. Interesting that later tellings of the story instead make her insatiably curious and not very smart, opening the box by accident.

[@helenl3193]

TRUTH! Kudos to your mum, she knows her stuff!

[@helenl3193]

@@eoincampbell1584 I didn't know that! I'm going to try and find a different version, I'm curious how much variation exists... Sounds like our could be a good little anthropological case study! 😁 Thanks for the heads up

[@trueneutral1694]

Lol people don’t believe that you can be beautiful and smart because most of the time, that’s the case. People who are attractive spend less time thinking in general because things are easier for them and are treated better. It’s actually common sense. If you’re ugly, you’re gonna have to be more clever to get the same kind of attention or affection. How do you guys not understand this?

[@emanuela9611ify]

@@trueneutral1694 That's true but the whole point of the video is that's not necessarily true and you CAN be beautiful and smart at the same time. How can you not understand this?

[@haleyh4481]

"you're calling me a dumb blonde, but who's the man giving away half his paycheck each week to a girl who does nothin but sit around and look pretty?"

[@azrael4457]

"Ok. I'm moving out. Hope sitting around all day and looking pretty gives you a salary each month, cause I sure as hell would be a trans man if that's true."

[@bobtheball5384]

@@azrael4457 Trans man? That doesn't make sense

[@azrael4457]

@@bobtheball5384 it's a figure of speech. Trans people (in my country at least) look feminine on the outside and like to look beautiful. As OP says, "a girl who does nothing but sit around and look pretty", that wouldn't apply to men, hence why I said I would be a trans man if what OP said is true.

[@user-hs5et3cm5g]

@@azrael4457 It's really disrespectful to refer to someone as a "man" if they have transitioned to a female and are obviously presenting as female and using female pronouns. Please please do your best to respect peoples' gender identities

[@azrael4457]

@@user-hs5et3cm5g The thing is, it often gets really confusing sometimes. Let's say you see a feminine looking guy, do you address 'him' as a her or a him? What about if you see a short-haired woman who has features people would usually see in men? Do you address 'her' as a him or a her without knowing anything at all? It's funny how I only need to mislabel someone's gender to be disrespectful. Ens of discussion. It already escalated too quickly, from being a harmless joke to being disrespectful to 'other' genders.

[@poulomi__hari]

"I can be smart when it is important. But men don't like that." -Merylin Monroe Thats delivered by heart I must say. She indeed was a smart woman living in a man's world, pretending to be dumb, and yet looting their cash.

[@simonjack0071]

Hello there , last time I saw you was on quora ^_________^

[@beethovensfidelio]

Poulomi Hari The irony is that Marilyn Monroe was a brunette, so if she had kept her natural brown hair rather than dye it to platinum blonde in order to fit in the narrow Hollywood beauty standards, then she would have been seen as a “brainy brunette”. 😂

[@xinxinxu3376]

Poulomi Hari when u quote merylin We both know where u r 😂😂😂😂

[@shikynshkr882]

But she's not blonde in the first place though

[@madhushrutimukherjee]

She pretended to be dumb to loot their cash. Clever little Marilyn. XD

[@Justtrashmammal]

Fun fact: In Finnish the name Legally Blonde is translated into Blondin kosto = Revenge of the Blonde

[@meikkiris]

Just Ronja well yea but the direct translation is laillinen blondi so like...

[@Justtrashmammal]

Iris Lahtinen I'm aware

[@iisa929]

Terve

[@Attackontrashcan]

Nice

[@brezzainvernale]

In the Italian version, too: La rivincita delle bionde - Blondes' revenge

[@ForeverYouunq5910]

Take on tumblr girls and VSCO girls, and why culture wants to make fun of teenage girls

[@venicebtch4612]

angel in the room that would be interesting

[@ItsAsparageese]

I mean sometimes we want to make fun of things just because they're particularly make-fun-of-able, and teenaged girls are pretty make-fun-of-able. Past a certain point, "subjective aesthetic/taste in humor" is going to be a variable we can't always account for.

[@zain4019]

angel in the room I’ve always found that part of society, the part that picks on younger women so extremely aggravating. What a bunch of clowns some people are.

[@EbonyPenmarks]

Are VSCO girls really a thing, or they a figment of our imagination? I've yet to meet a teen girl who sincerely laughs like, "skskskssksks"

[@EbonyPenmarks]

@@piritapakarinen I mean, we also make fun of teen boys for being stupid and angsty

[@erika-cea]

I was waiting for you to say Gabriella and Sharpay from HSM as an example of blonde vs brunnette

[@mynameisreallycool1]

That's would've been a perfect example to use. The trope is very clear there.

[@heyitsmira17]

I was waiting for them to mention the blonde vs the asian and mention London vs Maddie. Even more than brunettes, asians HAVE to be smart, while blondes HAVE to be dumb, and they just switched that up completely in Suite Life of Zack and Cody

[@carolinanuccialcala9600]

look at me! I'm Latina, so I´m the good guy

[@mynameisreallycool1]

@@carolinanuccialcala9600 Aww, thanks for being the good guy my Latina friend :)

[@carolinanuccialcala9600]

@@mynameisreallycool1 xd u're welcome (but yes, Gabriella and Sharpay aren't good stereotypes)

[@Billy_plush69]

So what if a girl is blonde, and loves fashion and shopping? What if she's beautiful and wears make-up? That isn't a synonym for stupid!

[@ANDELLARIA]

Your righht

[@martaslabolepszy2169]

exactly!

[@Qwerty-jc3so]

There's stereotype that people who love shopping and parties and makeup and jewels find studying and watching news suuuper boring That kind of does equate to being stupid

[@verynormalusername]

Smile :D your key word there is stereotype. and thats what this whole video is about. how you should not do that. plenty of people love shopping and watching the news. dont be basic

[@Qwerty-jc3so]

@@verynormalusername "there are plenty of people who watch news and love shopping" exactly, its just a stereotype "How you should not follow it" I'm not following it, I just told her _how_ it equates to being stupid (according to the stereotype)

[@lovel3tters]

I hate these stereotypes, blondes aren’t dumb, brunettes aren’t “basic/ not unique” it’s just a hair color 🙄✋🏼

[@bloggerblogg5878]

yes, me too, because sometimes feel you aren't someones type, because of your hair-color...it's nothing to do with your personality, character, strength or weaknesses. it's apply on nationalities, I faced many misjudges, because of it. You are from this or that country you aren't smart enough, sexy enough etc. or you must be smart, because you from this or that country, before even have time to know you you enter the world of stereotypes and its hard to get out of it.

[@sofia_rms]

Fr lol

[@su4507]

PREACH LADY ITS JUST A HAIR COLOR

[@nathaliem3423]

Exactly who freaking cares about your hair omg...

[@priya8855]

@@nathaliem3423 unfortunately,many people do

[@krixkhaos]

I think the beauty/brains dichotomy is also perpetuated by the idea that people - women in particular - can only have one interest/pursuit. So it's not simply a matter of a woman being naturally good looking vs. naturally brainy, it's also a matter of her putting *effort* into one or the other, and the pervasive myth is that you cannot put effort into *both*. A woman who values academia could not possibly deign to spend an hour in front of the mirror putting on makeup, and a woman who spends an inordinate amount of time and money on makeup could not possibly deign to crack open a book. It caricatures women and makes them one-dimensional, eliminating our complexity as human beings.

[@krixkhaos]

Intelligence and attractiveness are generally pretty subjective, so I'd be interested to see the studies on that...

[@francescafrancesca3554]

That's one really good point.

[@taritangeo4948]

I dont agree actually, I think its about woman being useful to a man if he wants to put a ring on her. If she's attractive, shes at least a trophy wife, and if she isn't, having brains is useful skill for a future wife. If a girl is neither, of just pretty average, she's not a marrying material so her existence doesn't matter and isnt worth representation in media. Personality, bravery, heart of gold ect. is for the boys.

[@meredithj8175]

That definitely makes it easier to reduce us to objects.

[@SureFireShannon]

I had a college professor tell me that I "don't value academia" just because I didn't like their class

[@ChrisBrooks34]

I live for that Harley Quinn line And here you thought I was just another bubble-headed blond bimbo well the jokes on you I'm not even a real blonde We STAN For Harley Quin

[@erikamartinez5993]

Cuddos for Harley admitting she ain't a real blonde

[@chocotoasties2671]

Oof. I wouldn't

[@fd3069]

Why would you stan a victim of abuse? She isn't suppose to be admired.

[@emmadorova1908]

F D wow so I guess if my parents hit me when I was younger I shouldn’t be admired or “stanned” okay wow thanks for that.

[@SweetTeeToe]

F D why shouldn't we stan her? she has done nothing wrong... she didn't choose to be abused

[@Rana-yk9sh]

" The false narrative that a woman must have only beauty or brains is a tactic to limit her potential, pigenoholing her into only one avenue of power" so briefly explained

[@Karasus_drug_dealer]

LOVE!!!🖤🖤🖤

[@Mignacia_]

being naturally blonde and studying law has been an... experience

[@linhcao1029]

Tell me about it, Maria

[@wildflower3396]

What was it like?

[@user-wk7yi2ji5h]

I bet u have many stories to tell

[@Missmary852]

Oh come on, noone cares anymore, I hope... I mean God, do they? still?

[@saynotop2w]

That sounds like a great content, if you ever feel like talking about it on your channel

[@WiseAilbhean]

I remember watching Legally Blonde and felt empowered as a person. I didn't really care too much about gender or physical appearances. That part where she stuck to her guns about not revealing private information that as so sensitive to the client, thats loyalty and honor I respect and try to emulate. All in all... Elle Woods was a nice person. And it wasn't hard to see it.

[@trinaq]

That's exactly how I felt the first time I saw it. At the beginning, we are encouraged to perceive Elle as your typical, airheaded blonde, as she seems like a walking stereotype. But as the film progresses, we see how determined she is to gain the law degree for its own sake, and not to win Warner back. Elle is so immensely likable that we root for her to succeed, as she proves that she's more than just a pretty face- she has brains to boot!🙌🎉💗

[@basicindiebro]

nice but also brilliant

[@WiseAilbhean]

Trina Q She was definitely the “Anti-Mean Girl/Regina”. Elle had: Popularity, but didn’t care if she lost it. She was intuitive to other ppl’s pain. She befriended and stay loyal to ppl she just met. She help her manicurist/friend with the dog custody. The only ppl that saw her as dumb were the characters. We the audience saw her for who she is. She’s privileged but a really nice and good person. Not afraid of hardwork and help others. Elle is a fantastic role model.

[@tiffprendergast]

PumpkinEskobarr yup

[@tiffprendergast]

PumpkinEskobarr yup

[@sandravermeulen9729]

I always feel like brunettes are considered 'the boring one'

[@localroboplaguedoc]

A lot of times they are, especially in small communities with narrow-minded people. Which is pathetic, because I know plenty of people who don't fit into all of these stereotypes.

[@DemonicRemption]

@Sandra Vermeulen Brunettes are considered "boring?" WTF? How? Have such people met brunettes, or have I been lucky and met all the fun ones?

[@sandravermeulen9729]

@@DemonicRemption I mean in movies and such. There's the dumb blonde, the ginger geek, the mysterious blackhair and the brunette who is just there cause they needed 4 people. She doesn't get any background or anything interesting to do really.

[@justafish9618]

@@DemonicRemption considered means "seen as" not "definitely are"-_-

[@DemonicRemption]

​@@justafish9618 See kids, this is why it's not good to be cynical.... But that doesn't change my perception, as such people who "see" brunettes as boring have never met one... And you'd have to either have a prejudice stronger than mine to avoid brunettes all together of just live a sheltered existence still tied to mommy's umbilical chord to see brunettes as "boring." I don't see how it's possible for such a perception to exist...

[@LaDyLuCk2900]

Please do a video on the "tough girl" trope

[@afiamahmood1313]

You mean the type that implies that feminine women are weak? If so I definitely want that video.

[@juanmanuelpenaloza9264]

I actually decided to play around with that in a book I'm writing about street racing. Long story short: I'm gonna tear a new one into the Fast and Furious franchise.

[@trinaq]

Yes, I'd really LOVE a breakdown on the standard mentality that "Real women don't wear dresses", or that women who like sports or other subjects atypical of women to like are automatically branded as "odd" or "less desirable" than society's image of what a "real" woman should aspire to be like, and how this standpoint has evolved through time.

[@6OceanSoul9]

Yesss!!! Because in media a strong woman can only be a super aggressive stone hearted bitch. You can't be strong and also kind

[@twrampage]

@@6OceanSoul9 Only when they don't know how to write characters.

[@bailey9947]

I'd say Mean Girls is a great satire of the dumb blonde trope. Yes, there's Karen Smith, but she's necessary because of the contrast between her and the incredibly smart and calculated Regina George.

[@aylawilkinson7056]

the best part of the whole damn movie is that even after all this she makes no attempt to alter herself, her values or her femininity in order to be taken more seriously within that world. She strides forward with both her intelligence and her "blondeisms" and forces the world to accept both at the same time

[@dinodino5602]

+

[@DorotaGabal]

That's why it's a feel-good movie that holds up well over time. In many romantic comedies in particular, the female protagonist has to go through an entire look and personality do-over to gain the love or respect she desires. _Legally Blonde_ and _Ten Things I Hate About You_ defy that, which is why I am able to enjoy them. Both also tend to pit two women against each other, where over the course of the movie it's made clear there doesn't have to be a competition.

[@VelvetCondoms]

I just realized something about Legally Blonde: We see from fairly early on in the movie that she's not dumb at all. She thinks in terms of materials and properties, while most of the other students think more in terms of processes. Elle notices that the store person is trying to manipulate her because she remembers seeing the dress in an old issue of Vogue, and knows the store person is manipulating her because of her knowledge of the materials used in fashion. In the library scene, this contrast is at its strongest because she clearly comes prepared with materials she thinks will be required, which the study group promptly rejects her with the phrase "we've already assigned the outlines" and one suggests she join a sorority. She comes with materials and the others reject her with process. It's flat-out stated that she was the first person in Harvard Law with her bachelor major; and her major, Fashion Merchandising, requires a strong knowledge of materials. When she wins the case, it's because she spots the flaw in the step-daughter's testimony because she knows the properties of Ammonium Thioglycolate. She figures out that one of the witnesses is lying because of a comment he made about her shoes, and knowing the properties of gay and straight men. Without Elle, the team would have lost the case. They were all working in terms of processes, which is why they're so focused on getting the ultimately unusable alibi. Brooke didn't commit the murder, but many of her defenders thought she did. Elle, in contrast, knew Brooke was innocent because she knew about exercise's biochemical effects. I guess Legally Blonde could be read as a commentary about diversity in thought. Elle wasn't just looked down upon for being blonde. She was looked down upon for specializing in different aspects of intelligence, and the movie shows how this prejudice was irrational. It's showing that looking down on someone for focusing on different aspects of intelligence is just as illogical as looking down upon someone for benign genetic traits like hair color.

[@queencess93]

Nate Watson you have literally helped me figure out something that I’ve been going through in life. Thanks!

[@agentfluffy14]

This is actually an interesting point that I've never thought of. I'm guessing you write pretty good essays at school.

[@bennyton2560]

Cool theory, bro! What a detailed analysis. I love this

[@denisezurbano1487]

Nate Watson love your analysis

[@laurma5]

This is dope!!! 👏👏👏

[@oof-rr5nf]

This is just making me angry.... just media constantly pitting women against women. 😤

[@leejay2418]

I so agree with you. It was interesting but made me mad. :(

[@leejay2418]

I can't stand Kim and her tribe. Where did she say that?

[@crystalthompson7068]

@@trueneutral1694 pretty sure marilyn monroe's characters, harley, and chissy snow, were not made by and for women.

[@oof-rr5nf]

@@killman369547 Well. No. Not in the least. But A+ for effort.

[@NoisyHill_]

@@killman369547 Nice try.

[@amyk3442]

I was often the butt of dumb blonde jokes in my friendship group at school, but ended up doing better than 90% of them in my exams LOL

[@sandracastellanos921]

Amy K nice 👍

[@ellehansen7507]

you go girl

[@jamiewitton4919]

yes sis xx

[@adestas9112]

Me too, in matter of fact I was the best. Like First of all students 🤓🤷👑

[@Milkpastasoup]

Oof. I made a blonde joke. Then I was reminded I too am blonde.

[@justanotherhappyhumanist8832]

I've just noticed that in the film Legally Blonde ( at 16:34 ), Elle Woods is dressed in an outfit virtually identical to one made famous by Jackie Kennedy. The fact that blonde Elle is dressed identically to Jackie seems to be a subtle hint that she can be, and is, both a Marilyn, and and Jackie.

[@milegimenz9102]

a true i c o n

[@liisapaakkanen1591]

@Chris Moeller that, my friend, is what good costume design is all about.

[@justanotherhappyhumanist8832]

@@liisapaakkanen1591 I completely agree!

[@ItsAsparageese]

Good observation! Although I think (I could be mistaken) that that clip is from the sequel movie, when she moves to DC. Which is not to disagree with your comment, just elaborating that I think they made that choice with the character at a later date and nodded back to the original movie's dialogue and message, rather than designing it into the SAME movie (which I'd have loved to see).

[@cuttostah]

It's the same with "Beauty without brains" people can't handle beautiful smart people so they start putting them down. Also by smart or intelligent I mean every person is intelligent in different ways. Not everyone has to know math science etc etc.

[@daniellefernandes7510]

exactly!

[@citationneeded5809]

'Also by smart or intelligent I mean every person is intelligent in different ways.' No.

[@aaljustaal1890]

@@citationneeded5809 Honestly rich coming from someone called "Citation Needed"

[@Anna-ie8mv]

Citation Needed there’s ‘book smart’ and ‘street smart’ so yeah

[@em.415]

Yeon Kimin It seems like society can handle an attractive man who is intelligent though. The problem seems to ve when it’s a woman.

[@narararamammily5386]

I don’t like how Hollywood always portrayed the blonde,pink-loving, cheerleading girl as evil and the brunette, shy, nerd girl is the good one. It create this annoying thing that is going on lately that all of us have seen. R/Notlikeothergirls. These girls going around saying how quirky and unique they are just because they don’t like feminine stuff/party and put down girls who do. They think that other girls are just stereotypes and is always the villain in their pursue for love. And I think Hollywood movie caused this way of thinking because of their portrayal. Edit: I see that some people don’t understand my comment. Well, I will try to explain again with example. We have Girl A and Girl B. -Girl A loves pink, is a cheerleader, likes to go shopping for clothes, going to party, and puts on makeup. -Girl B loves black, is a book nerd, likes chicken nugget, staying at home to watch Netflix, and doesn’t like makeup. Obviously there’s nothing wrong with girls doing any of this things as long as they are happy with it however, Girl B think otherwise. Girl B think Girl A is fake because she wears makeup and she automatically thinks Girl A is a slut just because she goes to party. Then Girl B began to complain about how all men always go for the fake girls like Girl A while girls like herself are always left out even though they are more “real”. And Girl B is our R/notlikeothergirls. She think that she is the most unique girl in this world and any other girls are just fake, boring, and a slut. Obviously not all girls who enjoy stuff like Girl B are all like this. It’s just that it’s usually girls like Girl B who do this sort of stuff on the Internet now.

[@whyme9960]

Most quirky girls aren’t actually quirky. Growing up with an older sibling taught me that. Almost all the girls at his school are complete cookie cutters of each other. I shadowed there once and all the “quirky” girls who were wearing oversized hoodies and clothing to be “different” were bullying this one girl who was nice, self conscious, and was quoting old vines (I was doing it with her). The “quirky” girls were all the same, popular,and just brutally mean. The popular ones were quoting different tiktok trends and me being a theatre kid said the part after the music cuts off. After class one said “theatre kid freak” and I said “guess who did that first”. I didn’t even go to that school. WTF

[@thaisacattoor1636]

You CAN say "I'm not like the other girls" because it's true, YOU are unique. YOU are special and different from others.

[@whyme9960]

thaisa cattoor I’m not saying you can’t say that . I’m talking about the girls who pretend to be weird but literally all they care about is tik Tok and dating by my personal experience

[@thaisacattoor1636]

@@whyme9960 i understand, they all try to be different, in the exact same way.

[@ileanabriannemari]

@@thaisacattoor1636 Like carbon copies of each other-

[@ultimatekunochi6577]

Can you please tackle stereotypes about black women and men in media? If anyone can do it, I think it’s you.

[@elizabethgatsby3442]

Yes PLEASE especially the dark skin/light skin dichotomy

[@trinaq]

I hope that they delve into that subject, as I'm so tired of seeing black women being reduced to the "sassy best friend with tons of attitude and one liners" archetype. Similarly, black men are almost always portrayed as being prone to constant yelling. They are much more well rounded than that in real life!😣

[@Evarya]

Idk if they'll be able to have a good handle on it considering they're both white women

[@lisah8438]

@@Evarya They can still make a video about it and it will still be good. The talked about racial issues before. I disagree. They should still do it.

[@OlgaGax]

@@Evarya yeah, that's what I was thinking. As a blonde I can deeply understand everything that's mentioned in this video, as it's what I experienced. But as much as I empathize with black people being mis-represented and stereotyped, I couldn't accurately present all the nuances of discrimination that I didn't experience. If I were they, I wouldn't do that video, at least not without it being a collab with someone who can actually relate.

[@professoryeetus8955]

The thing I hate most about stereotypes is that many people follow them, as if they have to accept them.

[@elleofhearts8471]

It's true that no one has to accept them as true, but in order to not accept something as true, you have to find evidence of the contrary. And when you have no personal experience with something, you have no choice but to either find things out on your own despite what others have told you about the subject in question or believe them. It's a lot easier to trust the supposed experience of someone you personally know and have experience with over something/one you dont know or have experience with. Its easier to just trust people you know and potentially avoid a bad experience and not rock the boat with people you know rather than gain a new experience and rock the boat in the process. There are social consequences that go along with going against the doings of people you know and those consequences may not be worth it just to learn the truth for yourself. So even though it hurts other people to believe stereotypes, it's more likely they're trying to not ruffle the feathers of the people around them. which is easier.

[@violymhi]

Just saying, stereotypes usually reflect the reality of at least a significant chunk of people... The danger is when people mistake that stereotype as being true for the entire group of people and not just a part of it. Here specifically, it's more a concept that Hollywood created than anything else

[@alaaye5237]

violym Stereotypes are sometimes made by the media, and then society is influenced to follow and enforce that stereotypes. It’s not always the other way around.

[@skskskskskskoop4777]

Black haired people:”we forgettable 😔✊”

[@anonymouspumpkin8296]

Personally, I love black hair I find it beautiful.

[@anonymouspumpkin8296]

@Snotty Boi20 ooh nice I just dyed my hair really dark red it's a fun color

[@saladcaesar7716]

We are harem protagonists

[@tuffhugs]

She kept saying that Veronica is a brunette, ahh what part of "raven haired" did she not understand, Roni has always had black hair not brown and that's why she's "exotic" instead of "boring".

[@Marcoplo]

evil.

[@trinaq]

Once again, I feel more enlightened about certain film tropes thanks to The Take. We've always associated blondes with being unintelligent and glamorous, brunettes with being studious and brainy, and redheads for being feisty and hotheaded. It's amazing how we subconsciously stereotype people due to their hair colours, based primarily on common perceptions. Another way that "Legally Blonde" is so clever with its storytelling is that Warner explicitly tells Elle that he wants someone who is "more Jackie, less Marilyn". Much like Elle, Marilyn Monroe was a lot smarter than everyone gave her credit for, she was just underestimated. The film also points out that Vivienne is judged just as much for her hair colour as Elle is for hers, and they ultimately reconcile and become friends by the end. 😀

[@oof-rr5nf]

The development of their friendship - all cos Elle is such a forgiving, open person - has always meant so much to me. All girl-targeted media had The Mean Girl in them when I was a kid, but from what I can recall only this film showed actual reconciliation with that character. And I am grateful till date!

[@oof-rr5nf]

@J .S oh, 100% it wasn't okay then either.

[@iLOVEcheez1234567890]

@Scott Summers So you do judge people by their hair?

[@livcaitbff]

Also in the second film, Elle wears a pink suit that strongly resembles Jackie's famous pink suit, showing that she is both Marilyn and Jackie!

[@livcaitbff]

J .S she *wasn't* judging her for that. Frigid means uptight, which is definitely the way Vivian acted towards Elle in the beginning

[@misscherim]

I was once on a date and the guy told me “I could be smart or beautiful. Pick one.” I was telling a guy how much I love History and Religion, those were my majors in college and I later I earned degrees in both. I was so angry. I immediately stood up and said, “I’m both. And I’m leaving.” And I called a taxi and went home.

[@medealkemy]

Oh yeah ! You did the good thing ! And that idiot probably never understood why you left, since he was dumb enough to think that AND tell you that to your face, I mean, WTF! Some people, ugh. Fuck that guy !

[@misscherim]

Nobody asked your opinion.

[@cosmickitty1528]

@@misscherim why are you so rude? Medeah tried to support you. You deserve that shit that happened to you

[@deganali4739]

Cleo Montana No, he was being sarcastic and condescending. You are a complete idiot

[@BassetLuv4Life]

Does everyone have a reading comprehension level of zero around here or what. Jesus! Excluding you Cleo.

[@anaghaananth7280]

I'm really surprised how Suite Life of Zack and Cody was excluded in the blonde vs brunette dichotomy section! It was a show aimed at the teen/tween group that graciously destroyed this stereotype in its prime. Great analysis though, would love if you guys could add links to the references of the books, directors' interviews etc

[@cuteboiji]

you're talking about london and maddie right? honestly characters ahead of their times. dumb asian and smart blonde was such a power move !!

[@cheesecakelasagna]

I remember that iconic power move.

[@DefineMorena]

The actor Justin Chon mentioned in a podcast that children's shows usually try harder to challenge stereotypes.

[@FacebookQueen]

Well we also have Gilmore Girls, Paris was intelligent and had a good personality

[@engelskatze3129]

"I can be smart when it's important, but most men don't like it"

[@lemurlover7975]

well it's always important to be smart and who cares if the men don't like it :P

[@ItsAsparageese]

Thankfully that's definitely not how the world works anymore. Yet still so many of us women often really screw things up for everyone by insisting on pretending this is still usually the case. Either by being misandrist and combative and persecution-happy about nothing, or worse, by buying into a standard that is nearly dead, and playing dumb because they think it's cute. More guys hate it than like it, but it gets superficial attention at least for a while at first, and for some women that's apparently enough.

[@trucetruce335]

Blond vs brunette happens with males too. Often in love triangle often where the blond is sweet and good and the brunette is the dark and dangerous. Edit: grammar

[@cia6405]

That's the opposite in girl meets world lol

[@giijn]

@@cia6405 hahaha

[@jestersudz6085]

(you wont get this but) desk kid and blueberry

[@itsleaax]

@@jestersudz6085 yea i didn't lol

[@jtwei7101]

That's the light feminine dark feminine trope

[@AnIvchenko]

Legally Blonde is one of my favorite moves since childhood. It's so inspiring, Elle became something no one believed she would be. This movie was so ahead of its' time and still it became popular. And Reese is so incredible woman, I really love her with all my heart.

[@annasolya1765]

I remember my beautiful, brunette sister telling me when I was a kid that 'people say you can't be smart and pretty at the same time, but don't believe that. You are already pretty and smart, you just have to grow.' that stuck with me. Also, bc of Legally Blonde I said I wanted to be a lawyer or a teacher, when I was 6. Guess who's getting into the teacher training program now.

[@caseywilde7931]

CONGRATS DUDE :DDD It's so fantastic your sister was encouraging you to defy these pointless roles society wants everyone to fit into. I hope one day we can have people be more accepting of women like you who are smart and beautiful ^^

[@dielitadvocate]

YASSSS

[@adeepseafish1238]

Congrats!!! So proud of you and your sister ❤️

[@edith7344]

Scarlett O'Hara and the femme fatale next please!

[@sarasampaiio]

Up

[@kerelenis]

all the way

[@aberrantcow]

There is a great channel called “Be Kind Rewind” she did a video on Scarlett O’Hara you would love. It was more about the history of the role and film but still a great film essay. That channel specializes on the history of the Best Actress category at the Oscars. Great channel 👍

[@edith7344]

@@aberrantcow thank you, I will check it out!

[@veronicajade20]

Omg. 😒

[@a.l.michael6240]

How about Amy from gone girl? She’s the smartest blonde I know lol

[@Thatelisey]

A. L. Michael well I guess she falls into the “cold, calculated blonde” category

[@emmadorova1908]

I’ve only seen clips of the movie so my bad if I’m wrong on what happened, but if she was being held captive where would she get a knife to slit her captors throat?

[@trueneutral1694]

Dude, that’s a movie. You don’t know her.

[@amityislandchum]

@@emmadorova1908 I could spoil that by explaining to you what happened, and I will if you want me to, but you should really watch the movie! It's very captivating and unexpected. Amy is a great character.

[@fid.firdhaus]

@@amityislandchum if u spoil it, then its already exposing the real truth of the movie... people should really watch it, such a clever character...

[@EmaPoppy]

Most other channels would pass on this kind of movies since they're often not taken seriously - exactly the point Legally Blonde is making. There are not many video essay channels ran by women and I love the perspective you bring to the community. Great video!

[@tripleee935]

I've always hated my blonde hair. I have always struggled with learning disabilities, which caused me to struggle in school, and the number of people who said I was brain dead because I am blonde, or being talked down to like I'm stupid, or how everyone immediately jumps to start making dumb blonde jokes is enraging as hell.

[@allisonsroom]

TheProfessor 394 Hey there, you’re definitely not alone. I’m a natural strawberry blonde and I had developmental delays as a child (had a lot of assumptions from students thinking that I was Autistic) and I’ve been through those issues too when I was in Elementary-High School. (I’m a senior in College now about to graduate soon) I’ve been talked down a lot and bullied due to my shyness and classmates assuming that I’m stupid due to me being in special education at the time and my hair color. Don’t give up though. Rise up and be strong. Ask for help if you need to and talk to someone you trust. Your learning disabilities and your hair color do not define you, you’re more than that. Take care and I hope it gets better for you.

[@avrillove11m94]

The same thing happened to me!!! I have dirty blonde hair but more on a lighter side.. I struggled a lot in school due to being missing a lot and just not understanding anything... so everyone would call me “the dumb blondie” or when I asked a question that everyone thought was stupid they would follow up with “duh blondie” people need to realize words are hurtful and my looks don’t determine who I am.

[@morganrakes4184]

I have ADD so school was always difficult for me and boy howdy, people sure enjoyed blaming my hair color for it.

[@Blueeyesinthesky]

Ya and then when we say something we are “acting like we’re oppressed” 😑

[@patrickohooliganpl]

@@allisonsroom No enigma, just biology / genetics. Your problems with development delays originate probably because the blondes are more probably late bloomers, thus both temporary physical and mental delays are more probably to happen in their adolescence.

[@joyrainbowdress]

suite life of zack and cody is one of the few shows with a smart blonde and a dumb brunette Also friends had a brunette (monica) and blonde (rachel, phoebe) as best friends

[@deanneb6925]

seokjinism cult The character of London was also able to subvert the “nerdy Asian” trope at the same time

[@joyrainbowdress]

@@deanneb6925 yes exactly

[@Gamelover254]

Yeah I grew up with that show and honestly Maddie’s smartness & scarcastic nature made me fall in love with blondes lol. So when I heard this was a trope, I was actually genuinely confused.

[@tiffprendergast]

seokjinism cult yup

[@adesuwaebhaleme2515]

Exactly i feel brunnetes are dumber than blondes

[@bhavs398]

"You got into Harvard Law?" "What, like it's hard?"

[@username1150]

*I C O N I C*

[@sharonjensen3016]

Elle Woods: Like a boss!

[@anikasmith8361]

Its like the "Handmaid's Tale" issue. Man's need to dissect womanhood into compartmental pieces. You have to fit in a specific recognizable box in order to be valued at all. Society as a whole sometime struggles to see individuals through a universal lens. If we are honest, we are all guilty of putting specific types of people in boxes at one time or another.

[@nuancecontraire]

Anika Smith unfortunately most people fit into boxes, which makes it highly problematic for the rest of people to be individuals

[@lidette711]

I'm not American. I'm Asian, so I grew up to everyone having dark hair. So when I saw Legally Blonde as a child (my aunt rented it and we watched it), I never understood the "dumb blonde" stereotype. Thanks so much for your video essays. I've always loved Legally Blonde, but your essays give insight and clarifications about my old favorites. :) Thank you!

[@PaigeSinclaire]

When I was younger I desperately wanted to be blonde, all the pretty girls that dressed well were blonde and sleeping beauty and cinderella were blonde. It wasn't until beauty and the beast came out, I began loving my dark hair and dark eyes, like Belle.

[@Passions5555]

I felt the same way. I wanted blonde hair pale skin and blue eyes. Because everything about a girl (especially girls regarded as ethereal looking) were all exquisite fair skinned blondes. Then princess Jasmine came out and she had my coloring and she was easily as beautiful as the blonde princess characters.

[@SaKura-il8op]

Same gal, same.

[@ArtificialPerson]

Same thing happened to me with Pocahontas 😊

[@foggypebble5159]

Same, I grew up in the Midwest and always felt very different- and my mom and I used to watch Beauty and the Beast over and over because Belle looked like me. My mom even nicknamed me Belle.

[@c.d.dailey8013]

Aww. That is so sweet. Most of my favorite Disney princesses are the women of color. They are Pocahontas, Mulan, Moana and Tiana. The two exceptions are Elsa and Anna. These princesses all have black hair. I am also a woman of color with black hair. It is nice to be able to connect with Disney princesses, who look more like me. They put blonds and brunets together in a duo. However most people in the world have black hair, which is outside that. Snow White is white, and she still has black hair. She is the only Disney Princess to be called "fairest of them all". That ought to count for something.

[@gabbidurham]

People think Marilyn Monroe is dumb, but she broke barriers in the pay gap for women in entertainment

[@eliselecossier7251]

She wasn't even a real blond so I don't know why people still takes her for an example of a blonde

[@gabbidurham]

@@eliselecossier7251 she was rarely seen without blonde hair and most people didn’t know that she naturally had brown hair

[@slushu_6865]

@@eliselecossier7251 When most people think of Marilyn Monroe, they think of her with blond hair. Prior to today, I had no idea she was a brunette naturally.

[@eldron29-a54]

She was a genius.

[@Riskofrain527]

@@gabbidurham doesn't matter. She's not a natural blonde so she doesn't count.

[@vibhakodancha254]

Do you think you guys could do a video on “The Cool Girl” idea/ archetype I feel like you guys would do an amazing job!

[@melodyclark1944]

You mean where she's treated or acts like she's better because she's just one of the guys?

[@sugarbirb5145]

My favorite trope to find after reading gone girl.

[@bennyton2560]

@@sugarbirb5145 Did you find it in popular works?

[@stackblack2616]

i have natural platinum gold hair and growing up i got bullied for it and was even labeled the "Dumbest in class" even tho i never really spoke to anyone and always minded my business. Now i have a masters degree lol

[@leejay2418]

Good for you. :)

[@mynameisreallycool1]

Congratulations!

[@luisasilva5638]

Congratss

[@xoseanaxo5538]

Stack Black congratulations ❤️❤️❤️

[@commentcopbadge6665]

From where? Burger university?

[@dogfreak297]

I’m not even blonde why am I watching this

[@mishkaparashar3170]

samee hardly anyone is actually

[@b.alexisbeauty5013]

I’m black and I’m watching this only because these are also things I think about lol

[@sangeethavarmaa3628]

In places where blondes are not common, or society where other colored hair girls are also considered to be only hot and not smart and get same comments as u can't be beautiful and smart at same time

[@canal50tonsdepalidez]

This video represents women and sexist stereotypes in general!

[@rindellegioucrosszeria9017]

lol same

[@AnimeWolf5193]

Blonde jokes are funny, but I've never got the stereotype. Growing up, half the girls in my class were blonde and they all were as smart as me if not more. And how does hair color determine intelligence? I always chalked it up as a stereotype or an outdated character trope.

[@bloodtypena]

Hair colour is just that colour just like skin or eye. But some people like to be mean so they find the smallests reasons to divide other people and tear them down so they would feel better

[@oooh19]

Also it doesn't make you more attractive with hair color it's also your features, weight and skin.

[@oooh19]

Skin is definitely a big deal; like if you're pasty people bully you

[@llamaice]

its because stereotype man more into blonde women back then so their life "is way more easier", and makes stereotype they doesnt have to think/work much they got what they want because of men

[@brabbit330]

It’s something only babyboomers find funny because they’re bigoted and stupid.

[@Neznakomka1990]

Please make a video on Asian women representation and fetishization on TV and in movies.

[@daiiithyme4992]

dalel bissetayeva this is important

[@pplcantuseyouifyoureuseles6705]

mia morales Black women face the same troubles

[@FirstnameLastname-es1ko]

erdeen zagd représentation? Vous parlez français? Mdr

[@em.415]

dalel bissetayeva That would be a good one along with the masculinization of black women in media.

[@mishkaparashar3170]

*YES* Asians need representation!!!

[@jadelynelle218]

The answer is misogyny, and internalized misogyny. All of it. lmao

[@trekadouble757]

I've seen that some of the stereotypes about blonds are kinda true, and I wonder if it is because people tend to say different things to blonde girls. Usually when talking about a little blonde girl people say that she is cute, that she has beautiful hair, that she is lovely, that she has beautiful eyes. When faced with a brunette with brown eyes, they tend to want to know more about how she does in school, what she likes. I've seen that happen often, and I'm quite sure that people dont grow up the same depending on if they are usually told they are pretty or intelligent. They won't act the same way.

[@crstph]

Ive totally experienced this: doubting my own intelligence and wondering if im smart enough to pursue certain academics because if EVERYONE treats me like im dumb they cant all be wrong, right? Wrong. My freshman year bio group was the worst for this and they all got Cs and i got an A and I realized id essentially been gaslit. It absolutely makes a difference what we expect of people

[@zzdaweirdo1120]

I have brown hair, and everyone has been telling me about how bright and smart I am, and while I do occasionally get a comment about being pretty, all emphasis is being put on my knowledge. It really sucks, because I have really low self esteem that has just been plummeting, and the fact that the other girls that I know are told very often that they're beautiful (and it's true), and that I'm semi-ostracized by my peers... Yeah. Not fun.

[@bobtheball5384]

@@zzdaweirdo1120 If this means anything, I'm pretty sure most people value intelligence than looks (at least I do because I have no chances with being pretty). Appearances are cool but for how long? But I'm sure you're a beautiful girl and someone would be there to appreciate you for it.

[@zzdaweirdo1120]

@@bobtheball5384 Yeah, I just hope I won't end up with depression in the future.

[@violetblossom50]

44 44 when your a teen appearance tends to prioritize over intelligence. You do things in order to fit in and appear a certain way even if it jeopardizes your education. Its just apart of youth and developing who you are and want to be.

[@corngreaterthanwheat]

"Connecticut WASP" sounds like a super villain...

[@Visplight]

They usually are.

[@daniellevinson6975]

On a different note, though, it would make sense to use a contemporary substitute for the acronym WASP. I propose using "mainstream white(s)" or MW...

[@darlalathan6143]

Actually, she's a Marvel superhero!

[@daniellevinson6975]

Good to know, @Darla Lathan.

[@rose4490]

... sounds like a biatch.

[@redsnake69]

I just have to say this was an interesting, thoughtful and very well researched topic. Thanks for your hard work ladies.

[@valeriemalone2729]

It was always blondes vs brunettes, Buffy, Beverly Hills 90210, Dawson's Creek and Sabrina all did it. I'm a natural blonde and I never felt like anyone took me seriously, like I was some sex toy, or classed as dumb before anyone would listen to me. I even dyed my hair dark because of a man. Its just hair colour, we shouldn't ever make assumptions.

[@sugarbirb5145]

Im a naturaly dirty blonde and my mom always dyed my hair so i was more blonde blonde and cause my middle school was gross and it was the fastest way to get lice out. So my roots were/are dark. In middle school i got not just the blonde stereotype but Bottle blonde stereotype. Its like i can barely be human and make a mistake and people make a comment about me being blonde. Hell, my boyfriend told me about his new coworkers after seeing me made a comment about "blonde eh?" With a sholder nudge. Ive had exes whem first dating me said "id usually never go for a blonde"

[@valeriemalone2729]

@@sugarbirb5145 wow that is so ignorant. Have you changed your color now or trying to embrace being a blonde? I miss being a blonde sometimes, all the dark hair dye has damaged my hair. The thing is not many people suit blonde hair, and it's a gorgeous color but as this video shows it comes with judgement and stereotypes. I'm sorry about him, my ex did the same, he told me he doesn't like blondes but still went for me I think I feel into that trap some people do, so I dyed my hair for him but in the end I liked being a brunette as I have pale skin and blue eyes but I do feel ashamed for letting him make me feel insecure. He ended up going for a blonde when we broke up the first time too. Go figure! It's just hair at the end of the day...

[@redhoodie8093]

Notre Aira there’s actually naturally blonde black girls, though rarer

[@marchstars3318]

I hate that it’s seen as “cool” to put zero effort into your appearance. I feel weird for wearing nice stuff to school because so many girls brag about how little effort they put in (and they’re popular too). Fashion is an interest I have that for so long I tried to suppress in an effort to try and be seen as more geeky and intelligent. Because apparently it’s impossible to be stylish AF, naturally blonde and high achieving academically. This year I’ve stopped trying to dull down my appearance in an effort to look more focused on my education but it still gives me anxiety whenever I wear a cute skirt to school. If you’re trying to express yourself artistically through your appearance then please know that the people who look down on your for the effort you put in are just jealous pricks conditioned by a patriarchal society. The same society that would say I’m a “Dumb Blonde”. I think tomorrow I’ll wear a skirt.

[@hidden-behind-wisteria2701]

Yeah. People always wonder if ur trying to impress a boy, but if you don't do things a certain way people are like "guys don't like that." Dressing fancy is supposedly ick, but if you don't wear makeup people wonder if you just outran a demon. Society is messed up 🙄

[@yasminechoerryscherry3701]

Honestly it's not cool, I would really like to dress well but I'm too lazy to do it.

[@Moocow2003]

This is one thing I loved about going to school in a liberal city for a couple years, everyone dressed for class like it was Fashion Week 😂 ofc hoodies and jeans was fine but I do think it made the students happier and more relaxed to be able to express themselves in a fun way

[@Moocow2003]

@@yasminechoerryscherry3701 if you're doing it for fun at a certain point it doesn't take any more time. Putting on a nice shirt takes no longer than putting on a plain shirt after all

[@yasminechoerryscherry3701]

@@Moocow2003 yeah! the last months I've been caring more about my appearance and honestly? it makes me feel better and more confident

[@anemedetn]

The Danish title of Legally Blonde is actually "Revenge of the blonde"

[@justyouraverageevilwitchof8222]

Its called the Revenge of the blond in Greece too :D

[@ip815]

Same in Finnish lol

[@Tankervoy]

Danish translated titles are in a category of their own. I mean, what other country would translate “Fresh prince of LA” to “Rap fyr i LA”?!

[@sharonjensen3016]

Gotta love the Danes.

[@Emma88178]

All in all it’s a ridiculous and untrue stereotype. Hair color is nothing more than a physical appearance. And appearance has absolutely NOTHING to do with who you are as a person.

[@manudavis2164]

SO sad that Dolly Parton was not mentioned in this video at all .. Come on people!!!! .. Dolly has been singing "Dumb Blonde" for almost 60 years ... "Just because I'm blonde don't think I'm dumb Cause this dumb blond ain't nobody's fool"

[@JC-yy8iv]

I thought for sure she was going to mention it when she said people have been subverting the stereotype since at least the 50s

[@brabbit330]

Fun fact: The only people today who insult blonde women and assume they are stupid are baby-boomers. I’m a natural blonde who has been insulted by men many times on the Internet. But the only ones who make it about being blonde are the old boomer dudes. None of the insults thrown out by generations X Y or Z are “dumb blonde” jokes.

[@jl4260]

Yeah I agree with this. Baby boomer men are the absolute worst.

[@robfl100]

Isn't that because of a statistically higher percentage of blonde women belonging to the boomer generation being, well....DUMB.

[@EmmaAppleBerry]

Ive had a few from really sexist pigs who benefit from the subjectifying women media crap mostly the trashy scum that cat call or leer but when dumb blonde jokes specifically or mentioning hair colour as a personality or intelligence indicator whether feisty red hair or dumb blonde or even boring brunette etc its always been middle aged or older like baby boomers or an odd one of their kids generation as their go to insult or comment always come backs to looks or saying shit like oh i only see youre worth as the stereotype of looks fertility and homemaker abilitys like why are you out of the kitchen or women should be pretty why dont you smile or wear a dress etc thats what it comes down to so when then insult you they insult you for nt being their ideal but their kids tend to bit a bit more mixed and more on the relationships and character like you shouldnt swear or when are you getting married or having kids those sort of things while not considered becessarily rude are a less obvious diluted form of sexism... that still prominant today. Especially with people in non urban areas or in more conservative/old fashioned places... the younger generation im not sure on but i think if anything guys are growing more concerned about appearance and everyone is getting overall more concerned about their image and materilistic stuff overall so idk if its balancing out or whats happening but its harder to get an overall reading since they still suffer from past stereotypes eveb though their world is moving furthur and furthur away from it with all the equality and sexual stuff and the less and less there is a common or average path that gives you an idea of the overall psyche. But that might be a good thing moving away from generational and general stereotypes and norms and being more individualistic i guess that could be considered their generations norm is trying to be different special and have your voice heard which is getting harder and harder being saturated in so much rapidly changing information and ideas that the internet and full time access to phones and the internet brings...

[@justicemartinez2625]

I hear so many complains about older man ,but this is a whole new level.

[@snesne618]

Just because it didn't happen to you, doesn't mean it never happens to other women. Stop being so self centered.

[@ondiiina]

Revenge of a dumb blonde is actually the french title of Legally Blonde! Sadly it made translating the musical kind of a mess

[@n.giorgio2210]

My bf is blonde. People would always make fun of her calling her dumb and she would just play along because she wanted to be cool. Ridiculous. She's one of the smartest girls I've ever met. I used to be so upset at her for pretending to be dumb and letting people treat her like shit. I'm glad she doesn't do that anymore.

[@noneofyourbusiness1553]

The Blonde vs. Brunette trope is the same at the Lightskin vs. Darkskin trope in black cinema

[@Passions5555]

I hope they cover that.

[@BubblegumGirl366]

7:46 "I deeper disrespect for teen girls and a cultural movement to belittle." To true. I would love to see a video talking more about this. It seem like everything popularized by teenage girls it gets a ton of hate.

[@marinaschulz3183]

Theres one by lindsay Ellis called "sorry stephanie meyer" :)

[@NihongoWakannai]

Teenagers in general are annoying. It comes with the territory.

[@melaniep4099]

Jozzarozzer Unfortunately, as a teenager, I couldn’t agree more. Many of them are so shallow!

[@NihongoWakannai]

@@melaniep4099 I said similar things as a teen, you're probably annoying too, just like I was lmao. But that's fine. As long as you try to build self awareness and empathy during your teen years, you'll be g.

[@melaniep4099]

Jozzarozzer Haha true, I bet I’m going to cringe at myself in a few years.

[@bru4260]

I'm so tired of all the stereotypes surrounding blondes. People always expected me to be dumb, or a sl*t just because I'm blonde. I'm a natural blonde and tbh I feel like dying it sometimes. When someone disagrees with me they sometimes say "oh but you're blonde you don't understand stuff" and let's not even get started with the cat-calling. Ugh.

[@rcherLansky]

It's jealousy. Blondes on average score higher on IQ tests. Hollywood wants blondes to hate who they are so they don't want kids that look like them

[@Whatsinaname_]

Please do Downton Abby next. I would love to see The Take take on the show.

[@trinaq]

Totally, it's one of my favourite shows, and I'd love a comparison between the family and their servants, or of Mary, Edith and Sybil. 😍👑

[@eugec.c.2299]

YES PLEASE

[@medici__]

Yea that would be so interesting

[@AM-xx6rf]

some are marylins some are jackies...but why not be a diana and have it all

[@cristian275626]

You mean dead?

[@DakaONER94]

Diana’s tends to have some “accidents”

[@AM-xx6rf]

@@cristian275626 arent they all dead?...well anyways i mean blonde kind gracefull elegant and a rebel of royalty

[@AM-xx6rf]

@@DakaONER94 so do marilyns....and jackies are only remembered by who they marry...like dianas also....just saying diana was kinda the mix of both when you tink about it

[@MiguelDLewis]

Blonde, kind, elegant and a royal? Sounds like a recipe for a covered up assassination.

[@mischamccarthy5887]

As a brunette, I feel we are misunderstood as well! In my school everyone thinks I'm really serious when I'm actually there comedian of my friend group.

[@Liisandro10]

I LOVE THAT YOU ARE UPLOADING SO MANY VIDEOS ABOUT LEGALLY BLONDE

[@augustsart5374]

The amount of times I’ve been subjected to blonde jokes because of my hair.😡

[@tiffprendergast]

Maximum Melody I’ve never had those

[@wildflower3396]

I have never used a blond joke in my life and I like to keep it that way

[@astarcalledsun7646]

I've never seen anyone give a blonde joke with the intent of making someone angry

[@karinavillalobos4517]

Maximum Melody Stereotypes are everywhere. I’m Hispanic, I only understood Spanish never learned it when I was child. Other Hispanic girls would shamed me that I did not speak my language (Spanish), and they tell me I would try to act white which I thought was very stupid. Through out my whole school I had a learning disability, and it was difficult for me to read and write. Math is still my favorite subject. When I was in high school I had a hard time understanding a word in my Literature classes, and guy asked “Is there a blonde string of behind all that brown hair?” I though that was very ignorant.

[@Silvercentipede]

A wise woman told me this: if people are rude and make comments about an aspect of your appearance, it’s generally because they are jealous ❤️

[@LiaAwesomeness]

"i wouldn't have gotten this far if i were an airhead" YOU'RE AN HEIRESS, I THINK THAT HELPED

[@MsDaydream3r]

You guys ever think about doing a video on Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure? I think that movie says something about encouragement and untapped potential.

[@trinaq]

I know, that has excellent potential to be a future subject for an analysis, especially as it shows how much Bill and Ted can learn if they apply their resources in an unconventional method- in this case, time travelling!😉

[@MsDaydream3r]

@@trinaq And they never would have realized that potential if it weren't for Rufus' encouragement via time machine. Bill's dad is kinda negligent and Ted's dad writes him off as "young, dumb, and full of cum." With the small exception of Bill's step-mom, Rufus is the only one who sees something in them.

[@KlayExterior]

I was at one point told I will need to dye hair brown for to be taken serious. For the longest time it was hard for me to find a job and every time I would go into a job interview they would look at me like I was stupid. When I was in school I was told The only way you will make it in life is if someone will keep me up and you better thank god you pretty. Even as a male I have equally faced these stereotypes.

[@SofiaC-ut9qe]

There’s a girl in my class whose blonde and is super smart, always participating and practically always gets top marks. She’s good at practically everything.

[@margolane8529]

I always thought Marilyn Monroe (like the studio invented image, not the person Norma Jean) was being satirical, especially her ripoffs like Jayne Mansfield

[@emmadorova1908]

Marilyn isn’t even a real blonde either 🤷‍♀️ still gorgeous

[@beethovensfidelio]

Emma Dorova If she had kept her natural brown hair, she would have been seen as a “brainy brunette”. 😂

[@EmmaAppleBerry]

@@beethovensfidelio or boring or bland brunette since its common she more likely wouldnt have been looked twice at... thats how it is unfortunately if youre smart you have to be so smart youre above men to be noticed as smart and even then you wont be acknowledged for brains cause everyone will think you slept your way to the top or just assume you got your ideas from men or are a man hater lesbian or some other degrading thing that makes men feel better that you dont want to sleep with them and arent just an airhead sex toy they cant use.

[@beethovensfidelio]

EmmaAppleBerry Your point? So you’re saying that if Marilyn hadn’t dyed her blonde, she wouldn’t have become a star because blonde hair is seen as beautiful and desirable in the business?

[@staleplastic265]

Not before all the plastic surgery

[@beethovensfidelio]

Samantha Derrick Right on! 👊🏻

[@Supvia]

I am blond and I only had to deal with jokes, not with people actually thinking I am dumb. Until I sat in a job interview and had the feeling that the person across the table actually thought I was dumb. It was the worst feeling. I don’t know if it was my hair color, but it certainly made me feel super uncomfortable.

[@ing_thanas]

Partially its also because of human nature where we don't want to see anyone "having it all". Good looking people, men and women, are thought of being dumber since they probably spend more time on their looks than their brains. It definitely occurs to men as well, hence Ellen's Hubba Hubba Quiz Quiz. It might also be done to make a character more relatable and likable, you can't have a character so perfect. Sexy, beautiful and smart.

For sure. If someone asks you to imagine a movie scientist, you would probably think of a nerdy guy rather than someone who looks like Chris Hemsworth with a lab coat. The video makes some great points, I just don't think these problems are as gendered as it seems. When a character is both handsome and intelligent, he's usually a straight up Superhero like Tony Stark or Bruce Wayne.

[@preciousvicious9025]

You are pretty smart

[@sfaira4072]

Actually, I way too often notice that there are many characters who along with some skills or intelligence also have to be handsome, especially various protagonist heroes, commanders, rulers in Hollywood. It's boring that a character described as ugly gets a handsome model actor in an adaptation. I suppose it's because the drive for physical beauty has been so strong for so long time, majority of hollywood actors are traditionally good looking people.

[@sfaira4072]

@Emily Barclay I know, this is what I'm calling out. Real life commanders and heroes aren't automatically pretty or handsome and I like characters who are valued for what they do not how they look.

[@cecedoll88]

I’ve dealt with judgement. I was a chemistry major and no one in lab wanted to take me seriously (at first). It didn’t matter too much to me because I was always right.😏

[@NeuroticKnight9]

I often read online that "id rather be smart than pretty". But it is only the smartest people that often have the discipline to eat well, sleep on time, exercise and so on and in turn look pretty and refined.

[@jessicavictoriacarrillo7254]

Also the smartest people tend to have the self-awareness that they're not great at everything and strive for self improvement

[@trinaq]

Totally, as noted in the "Clueless" video, none of us have everything all figured out, but we learn more as we grow, as long as we're open to the possibilities. Plus, it's important to strive for both brains AND beauty, and not be expected to pick between them.😃

[@janiedoie]

Blue .Barrymore you’ve actually talked and tested the majority of attractive people to determine that they’re dumb? wow. can i see that study?

[@janiedoie]

Blue .Barrymore lmao did you say the reason we have public schools is because people are dumb??? hahahaha no it’s so people can get an education and an understanding of the world. don’t assume “most people are dumb” because of your own personal experience. You not being able to understand you biases and personal relationships with people aren’t a reflection on the world itself proves to me that you may be the dumb one. think about it. is it likely that almost everybody is dumb, or that your perception of them is? often the right answer is the most simple one. it’s you. you are the most common denominator.

[@janiedoie]

Blue .Barrymore btw being pessimistic and assuming that most people in the world are dumb and unattractive doesn’t make you smart or realistic. it shows you can’t see past your own biases.

[@user-negl3cty_uwu]

"Be so good they have no choice but to notice you." Girls, we can do it!

[@jcphelps7054]

I had first thought that the divide started in a color theory origin ala the "light" and "dark" hats used in Westerns. A lighter hair color could be more easily seen and so could be used to portray a "happier" "lighter" character. But this was so in-depth and really put everything into perspective! I love this channel!

[@limacnaughton3352]

One of theories I've heard was it came from the Romans when blondes were prized as sex slaves.

[@samp3622]

I appreciate when you cover these great movies that get overlooked because it’s a “chick flick”

[@whamloverfr]

I don’t get why literally every bully/mean girl is movies and tv shows are blond. It’s really annoying -_-

[@jamingrythm584]

True. I guess blonde just come to stand out, cause blonde girls are usually represented as the popular girls. Then theses popular girls are usually represented as oppressive and mean people to the other students

[@Hannah-rn7td]

Watch Cruel Intentions - or Buffy

[@kiera6326]

It’s due to blonde being desired. The mean girls in media are popular girls, and popular girls represent what everybody wants.

[@whamloverfr]

having blonde hair is so annoying tho like when it gets wet or greasy it just turns brown

[@i_only_simp_for_myself800]

@@kiera6326 that's so weird cause if these blond girls are desirable and popular, then they shouldn't feel the need to bully anyone to feel better. the prettiest girls in my school were actually the most chill and easy going ones, because of how most students were nice to them, especially the rich ones. most weren't friendly but they never bullied the ugly students, they just ignored them and they also never made fun of the nerds cause most of them also had good grades, which made them even more popular.

[@Kari166]

Kind of weird how in Theatre it's pretty much the opposite, brunettes are evil and blondes are always the sweet, pure, ingenues who snag all the soprano parts (sans Christine from Phantom of the Opera). Les Miserables is probably one of the biggest offenders out there, in the novel, Fantine was blonde and Cosette had dark hair, but in nearly every production except the 1995 Dream Concert where the hair colors stayed true to the book, Fantine has brown hair and Cosette is the blonde one. What if you did a video about that? Theatre/Musical Theatre and hair colors?

[@edienandy]

In the book Christine does have blonde hair. And Meg has black hair.

[@NoName-be8vp]

I’m modern teen movies, the popular evil rich girl in highschool is the blonde and the sweet innocent love interest is the brunette

[@Kari166]

@@NoName-be8vp Okay? I wasn't really talking about modern teen movies, though.

[@hhhhh-me1fb]

@@NoName-be8vp your acting as if dark haired girls go through nothing.

[@veggiesarefruits]

While I see your point about Cher and Elle fighting the dumb blonde stereotype, there's also a key part of the stereotype that you've missed: that blondes are superficial. Although both characters are technically intelligent, they are also undoubtedly superficial in their interests and hobbies. Edit: spoke too soon. I really like the commentary about the attack on teen girls. People generally underestimate, belittle, and ignore them. I remember some comedian saying that there is no more worthless type of human than a teen girl. What does that tell our daughters, and even our sons?

[@Passions5555]

I think as far as internet culture is concerned the most useless humanbeing is the "Karen." the middle class, middle aged, "I want to speak to your manager" miserable embodiment of "entitlement."

[@veggiesarefruits]

@@Passions5555 yes, definitely. They're always Baby Boomers. But my generation is simultaneously entitled, and responsible for the death of a thousand and one industries because we don't buy shit we don't need and are happy living in our damn cars. My mom is a wonderful woman, but my God, is she spoiled. She says things like, "Oh you NEED a spice rack/bed skirt". No. I don't. But she just doesn't understand how one could possibly not ever want to buy a house, for example.

[@Marivi247]

Yes, the teen girl bullying is so true! I never noticed it until recently... in an assay about twilight. Teenage girls loved it because it was innocent, romantic and exciting. And ohhh, it was bashed all the time. Was any teenage boy fantasy ever bashed so hard? They usually get sympathy. But girls desires and wishes being expressed is a scandal, apparently, and men feel the need to tell women that they should lower their expectations. I remember the movie transformers, a typical teenage boy fantasy (thin nerd becomes best friends with his alien transformer car, saves the world, gets the hottest girl on earth because of being a hero). Everyone loved it. But beware teenage girls dreaming about a romantic, goodlooking guy.

[@KindlingKatalyst]

Twilight was blubbering in writing style and vapid with nearly zero worldbuilding, unlike Harry Potter. The fact that teen girls liked it had nothing to do with it. Also like, have you ever read a feminist takedown of Twilight??? Edward's behavoirs are stalker-ish and it's kinda amazing you didn't pick up on that on your own. If anything, it speaks to how society molds womens' expectations into something frightening and obsessive.

[@That0neKid145]

I always saw the blonde vs brunette thing as "the battle of the white girls"

[@silvertulip7532]

Tell that to Beyonce, Lil Kim or Eve.

[@Amira-wi1kt]

lmaooo

[@demipol5220]

Then why tf did you comment on the video trying to make racial arguements?What drug$ are you on Mrs/Ms NoRtHBUTT?

[@TayTay-cp4fq]

yup this little whole blonde vs brunette war is between the white girls while for us black girls we have lightskins vs darkskins vs brownskins. I don't know what other battles are between other girls of color

[@nikidon99]

@@TayTay-cp4fq light skinned women are preferred in all coloured races. Blonde women are preferred among white ppl. It's ridiculous 😂

[@ondiiina]

Another thing I love about this movie is that Elle had to work her ass off to succeed. If you want to be smart then you have to put a lot of time and effort into doing it. Anyone can be "smart". Same with looking good. It's just a matter of effort (and self confidence and self love). Elle shows that you can manage to do both perfectly even if the world thinks otherwise. Such a great role model

[@EmmaAppleBerry]

Yeah like shes working out and reading and suntanning and reading and shes often multitasking which i love and like even when shes just relaxing its a form of self care or socialising shes never just being an 'airhead' stereotype. She prioritises herself and her health while still being a good friend a good dog owner a good student a good person a good daughter that one time whens shes in the pool you could count as family time with her parents bjt shes also exercising in the pool talking to them about school plans and thinking of ways to become smarter better etc and get accepted into harvard. I mean shes awesome but because shes bubbly and blonde and likes pretty things shes immediately considered at face value at that being her worth.

[@siddhishah2222]

Madchen from twin peaks! Though she wasnt dumb, not at all

[@trinaq]

Agreed, her character Shelley was fairly smart, it's just that she got saddled with the "innocent, naive, gullible blonde" label more often than not.

[@siddhishah2222]

@@trinaq true!! Tbh, that label is far more better than being called dumb( I don't support the labels giving thing being normalized)

[@KW-vy1rf]

This might be my favourite video of yours so far. Thank you so much for your work to break down female tropes (the dumb blonde, the cool girl, mean girls, etc) and show just how rooted in nisogyny they are and how they're still being used to force women into boxes and manipulate the way we view ourselves and prevent us from uniting and working together. You ladies rock!

[@kekelauren6251]

Personally, as a black woman, I feel like both a Jackie Kennedy and a Marilyn Monroe 😏

[@saylorskidds9538]

Good for you, ma’am.

[@Imthatdude2005]

@@saylorskidds9538 what u said was really unsseaury

[@cheesecakelasagna]

@@Imthatdude2005 yours too.

[@melissaaaltonen4057]

My theory: Natural blonde hair are rare. Rarity is generally valued. However, when it comes to blonde women there's this pervasive objectification because they are viewed as very beautiful, but they are also intimidating to some men and other women. People can't deal with the idea that a beautiful woman can be also smart,not just a sexual object. That would mean that she would deserve respect and she has to be treated as a human being,not only as a sex object. Both men and women are guilty of keeping these stereotypes alive.

[@redacted5078]

I agree with your but Im going to add something. You're saying men "fear" blonde women for the uncommon hair they have. Maybe thats related to red haired women? Red hair is only show in around the 1% of the world, so its even more uncommon. We also know in the middle ages red hair was believed to be related with witchcraft and witches and all that, Thats why many women were accused of being witches and burnt (most of them were red haired) Maybe thats related too?

[@zachsheffield9344]

Black & Brown hair is more attractive.

[@Lindalinda12375]

@@zachsheffield9344 to you , but not for some.

[@meuwlin]

@@zachsheffield9344 no it's not

[@princessawambu4178]

If rarity is generally valued than why is 4c hair considered "bad hair"??? Or is it only valued in white people?

[@fedelrux_hsl]

funny cause the french title for Legally Blonde is "La Revanche d'une Blonde" (litterally "Revenge of a Blonde"), and as you said in this video, the movie is telling the story of a blonde shattering all the negative stereotypes linked with her hair color, or specifically the things associated with her blondness people tend to find negative or dumb (like shopping, a=or taking care f one's appearance...) I love your work so much. All your videos are well done and it 's obvious you two made a lot of research in the writing process. You're one on my fav video essays channel i swear :))

[@usayeed727]

You can be beautiful and smart the same way you can be ugly and stupid, beautiful and stupid & ugly and smart. Don’t even know why people are so obsessed with cultural simplifications. It’s not even just blondes who suffer from that prejudice- being a muscular, athletic and socially confident guy myself, I’ve always been underestimated in terms of my intelligence by those I’ve encountered and educational authorities- until they find out I’m a polyglot and a serious mathematician. Our culture seems to almost be purely predicated on appearances dictating realities instead of it being the other way around.

[@trinaq]

I'm totally on board with this concept. While society may tell us that we can't have smarts AND looks, it's possible to have both, and not to be pigeonholed in just ONE simplified category, as that's not how most people operate. 📚👗

[@usayeed727]

Trina Q exactly. Why should you only have to choose one over the other? The only situation that should be the case in is your personal morals as far as I’m concerned.

[@oooh19]

It's annoying when people say looks don't matter but obviously they do. Those same assholes are judging based on look whether they acknowledge it or not

[@bart234465]

I need an entire video on that Mean Girls mom being a "cool mom"

[@aamnahere6250]

I'd like to add that western fixation with demeaning blonde women and reducing them to objects is not only limited to them. It extends to women of color. Hollywood has intrinsically exoticized brown foreign women. When Disney made Aladdin, they filled the movie with sexist and dehumanizing tropes against people of Middle Eastern descent, went against prevalent societal norms and dressed Jasmine as the exotic "belly dancing" Arab prototype to make her appealing to western audiences. Unfortunately not only does this dehumanize brown women to sexy 'otherwordly' creatures, it also creates a receptive culture in which brown women feel the need to play to their "exotic appeal" in order to gain acceptance in American pop culture. Acceptance that they simply receive based on cashing their exoticness no matter how problematic their opinions and world view might be. The latest example is Priyanka Chopra, a brown woman who literally exploited this regressive trope in her favor to gain insider status in Hollywood while cheering for nuclear wars and destruction of entire nations.

[@graciehooper7722]

Yes !! I recently re watched Aladdin and noticed that she’s shown as sexual and desired even tho she’s like 16

[@hibak_]

Legally blonde has always been one of my favourite movies, I’m happy you guys are talking about it!!!

[@projectanimation7730]

Before even watching this essay, I thought to myself that it would be lacking if you failed to mention Marilyn or Jane Mansfield once, and within the first minute, I was smiling. Your takes are always too well-executed for words!