Dumb Blonde Part 1

Dumb Blonde Part 1 minimimi.hubpages.com Legally Blonde Have you ever heard of negative stereotypes such as the “dumb blonde” or the “redheaded step child Well, hair color stereotypes are much more prevalent in American culture than they may appear. This week, I’d like to share with you some of these stereotypes and provide some facts, which prove them faulty. Some studies such as Hair Color Stereotyping? and CEO Selection in the United Kingdom by Takeda et. al,address the stereotyping of specific hair colors within the workplace. This study looked at two specific groups of characteristics looked at during the CEO selection process: (1) competent and cold (unlikable personality) and (2) incompetent and warm (likable personality), represent the social structural foundation for stereotyping. Within these groups they were able to make connections within hair color stereotypes within the workplace; finding that blondes, who are viewed historically as incompetent and likable, were underrepresented in positions of corporate leadership i n the UK. Redheads, while a minuscule number in the U.K. population, were over selected to lead some of the United Kingdom’s (and Europe’s) largest, wealthiest companies. Let’s begin with blondes.   Blondes are typically known as dumb, bubbly and easy. Popular magazine Marie Claire posts, “Maybe because they have more fun, they dont seem serious or motivated?” The author even recollects that her blonde friends even promote it from time to time, quipping, Sorry, Im having a blonde moment to excuse their mistakes.” Personally, I am a blonde so “blonde jokes” have always been an obstacle when trying to ‘prove’ my intelligence in the work place and classroom. …And jokes about intelligence: Q:   What do smart Blondes and UFOs have in common? A:   You always hear about them but you never see them. Let’s move on to redheads. Redhead’s are typically known as temperamental, nerdy or out of place. The “Redheaded Step Child” is a common stereotype defined by Urban Dictionary as, “With red hair being rare, a child born to non red headed parents was often assumed to be the child of an affair. Thus was treated badly, usually in the form of beatings.” Many redheads, known as ‘gingers’, have a plethora of jokes, conferences and stereotypes revolving around their stereotypical “oddity” (which is not realistically that odd). Many jokes about ‘Gingers’ are cruel in undertone and express that redheaded individuals are unwanted/unwelcome: Q: What do you call a ginger at a party? A: Unwelcome. Until next time, be cautious and aware of negative stereotypes. Also, keep a look out for Dumb Blonde part 2 where I discuss stereotypes of other hair colors!