what does it mean to be blonde?

Question

I'm a blonde and ever one calls me that , when i do something obvious.

Answer 1

You're referring to the popular picture of "dumb blondes" (particularly of women). It's basically a joke, so don't take it too seroiusly.

But I imagine you're wondering where ths idea came from. So here's a good wikipedia link that suggests several possible origins: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/dumb_blonde

And here's my own summary of these and other ideas, with an assessment of the various suggestions:

1) YOUTH: The association of fair-hairedness with youth, therefore naivete, and perhaps a resulting tendency to treat adult blondes --who appear more like children?-- as young and simple. (I'm a bit skeptical of this explanation, at least as a central reason. I also know of no evidence that blonde women were typically treated as 'more simple' than other women.)

2) PROSTITUTES, PERFORMERS ETC:
The popularity of light-colored hair led many southern Europeans to dye theirs; this was especially common among courtesans and later prostitutes.
..a) Some suggest that this led society in general (perhaps esp. nervous or jealous wives) to ease their concern about such women by viewing them as 'beautiful...but not very bright' (and so, perhaps, less threatening?)
..b) Perhaps (my idea) some of these 'beautiful women' (not necessarily just prostitutes) THEMSELVES adopted a style and mannerisms that would make them appear younger, simpler, less threatening --which might make them BOTH more attractive to men AND less threatening to other women?
(Obviously, (a) and (b) could work together.)

3) BRAIN DAMAGE from BLEACH. The potency of old bleaches actually caused brain damage in some individuals, hence the image was encouraged by instances of genuinely daft blondes. (Intriguing idea, but I know of no documentary evidence for such cases or for any stories or stereotypes about them, esp. about dumb prostitutes.)

4) RECENT POPULAR CULTURE - portrayals in books, film...
...a) For some time fair-haired heroes were typical of English literature. Then, around 1800 it became popular to portray fair-haired damsels as pretty and sweet but perhaps a bit simple/shallow, while their plainer brunette sisters would have the brains and often be the central character. (examples: Austen's *Pride and Prejudice*, Bronte's *Jane Eyre*, Alcott's *Little Women*)
...b) The popular 1925 Anita Loos novel (and shortly after that, play) *Gentlemen Prefer Blondes* featured a dumb-blonde songstress, fond of rich men and diamonds...
...c) The film portrayals by Marilyn Monroe and others BUILT on and spread this stereotype (Monroe, in fact, starred in the screen version of Loos's book.) You might also think of the gorgeous, dim-witted silent screen star "Singing in the Rain" (whom they try to keep silent in interviews, and who cannot survive the jump to "talkies").

Note that these "dumb blondes" (and their immediate predecessors --early 20th century comediennes like Mary Pickford) were mainly PERCEIVED as dumb, but somehow managed to get the best of others. In other words, the very portrayal of these women as "dumb blondes" might be used to poke fun at that very notion.
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The last of these is the only one for which we have much hard evidence, and is probably enough of an explanation on its own. (The most recent, and hugely popular expression of it is the smash broadway hit "Wicked". Glinda is seen as "good", though she is a bit shallow and self-centered, but she really grows up by her friendship with the smarter, often kinder Elphaba ['Wicked witch of the West'].)

But it's entirely possible that more than one of these "causes" worked TOGETHER. Even if Loos, and a group of blonde starlets established to stereotype, what suggested this image to her in the first place? The earlier popular literaure likely played a role. More generally, the beauty/glamor part of it may have been rooted in the old European attraction to fair hair. Whether the "dumb" part was ALSO based on images (socially created or self-chosen) of the manner of such women or was more Loos's own creation to give interest to this bumpkin character -- a portrayal that then caught on-- is difficult to say. But the fact that this character was a simple country girl --DIFFERENT from the sophisticated beauties-- makes me tend to think that Loos herself should get the real credit.
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How to respond? Have fun with it! My very bright older sister, the only one in the family who stayed a blonde, loved to send the rest of the family "dumb blonde" jokes. The point is that it has succeeded as a humorous stock CHARACTER ... and those who use it often do so for fun... NOT because of their deep-seated suspicion of the intellect of fair-haired women. (In fact, if you look at 20th century "dumb blondes" they often were cannier [or luckier?] than they appeared or pretended to be, and came out on top.)

Answer 2

Q. What is the difference between a smart blonde and UFOs? A. There have been sightings of UFOs. (There has been no sightings of smart blondes, because blondes are not smart) Q. How can u tell a blonde has been using the computer? A. The joystick is wet. (Because the dumb blonde thought it was a sex toy) Q. Why was the blondes belly bottom soar? A. Because the guy was blonde to. (Meaning he put his rod in her belly button hole instead of her you know what. Because he is a thick blonde)

Answer 3

It means you've done something people consider typical blonde behavoiur....i have no idea why but the sterotypical image of a blonde is that of a clueless bimbo(no offense meant)...so basically that's what they're calling you...

Answer 4

The very fact that you have to ask this question is why people call you "blonde". They are suggesting that you are stupid.

I don't know why people think blondes are dumb-well I guess I do. Just look at Paris HIlton.

Answer 5

Blonde is a state of mind, not just a hair color

Answer 6

It means that blonds are air heads.

Answer 7

Everyone says blondes are stupid, but really they aren't. When people say that they are just inconsiderate and rude. Don't worry, just because you're blond doesn't mean you're stupid.

Answer 8

No insult to the many smart blondes that I know...it means "to be stupid".

Answer 9

the stero type 4 blondes is they r incomitent.

Answer 10

it means that blondes are dum they dont have a clue what they are doing at all

Answer 11

it's a stereotypical gesture towards you because you have blonde hair.....

it's usually means that you are clueless