Marilyn Monroe is just one example of a stereotype that was ignored simply because she was a beautiful blonde model/actress. People took it upon themselves to assume she had no brains. While this was said about her, behind her back as well as to her face, deep down I believe she knew she was more than people gave her credit for. However, after being torn apart and put down for so long, she started to believe the lies that were said about her.
This has happened to countless people throughout the world, myself included. It is not always the same lie, but it makes us feel the same way. . .not good enough. Not good enough for anyone, not even ourselves. These lies come from every direction: friends, family, acquaintances, TV, internet, magazines, advertisements, YOURSELF, etc. We are constantly taking in lies about ourselves and making up lies about others, even if we don't realize it while it is happening. It has become a constant in society to always be changing ourselves and how people view us, you are never good enough just being who you are. The problems Marilyn ran into in her short life, are the same ones that are still majorly effecting so many in our society today. She lived a life were she was constantly having to please people in order to keep going. One thing that Marilyn was never able to do before she left this world, was let everyone truly hear her voice. After her death I believe many saw how truly sad of a life she lived, but it was too late to help her. The thought of defining someone through societies eyes, is something we should all be aware of. Many will end up living their lives stifling their voices, thoughts, opinions, and who they really are because of these pressures. Don't let stereotypes define people, don't judge a book by its cover. The lies will always be there, but we have to choose to see them as such and ignore them!
Why does Marilyn Monroe seem so important to you?
ReplyDeletethe story is strong, your admission will help someone think over their view and maybe stand up and challenge the lies that they hear.
ReplyDeleteIt is easy to get caught up in what others perceive you are. To believe their nonsense even though they haven't lived your life. Thanks for writing truth for us to all see and reflect upon.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn's story is worthy of reflection - and you've done a good job here.
ReplyDeleteVery astute observation of how others' perceptions of us can come to define us when we allow ourselves to be put in that position. I think the lesson to be learned here is to always stand up for yourself and not to allow what others think of you to change who you are and who you want to be. Alas, this is much easier said than done. Marilyn Monroe might have learned a thing or two from Helen Keller or James Franco when it comes to this lesson; never let others tell you what you can or can't do. Two very different examples, I know, but allow me to explain: Helen Keller was told that she would never communicate, and by the end of her life she could, though this was limited. James Franco (much like Marilyn Monroe) is excused as another pretty face on a movie screen, though he has gone to college for many different subjects and is also an artist and writer in his spare time. No comparison is perfect, so I digress. I believe your message is well worth your time.
ReplyDeleteVery well written I feel like a lot of these pressures have been put on to young women more then men. Especially women trying to become models or actress by getting into a beyond thin stage. I know what I loved about Marilyn was that she wasn't stick thin she had her curves and used them to her advantage. Where there any standards in the 50's and 60's about how a Pin up should look?
ReplyDeleteThat is so true about people that they judge like a book. I had a few people who did that to me. Good job on this blog.
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