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December 28, 2002
Blondes do have more fun
While looking up some data for this post, I found a great site chock full of fun-facts: Neoteny.org. The site has a scientific theory to sell you, but his data is what really caught my attention. Check this out: Of the 50 subjects with learning disabilities, 10 (20%) were blond. In contrast, 121 of 1067 subjects without learning disabilities were blond (11%)... subjects with learning disabilities were nearly twice as likely to be blond compared with non-LD subjects.... These results raise the possibility that melanin may be involved both in the development of motor dominance and independently in the devilment of neural systems which, when maldeveloped, result in learning disabilities. (Schachter, Ransel & Geschwind (1987) Associations of Handedness with hair color and learning disabilities Neuropsychologia 25: pp. 275) Not conclusive (the sample with learning disabilities is hell-of-small), but some more information which indicated that blondes had higher rates learning disabilities and were more likely to be left-handed was very interesting. I don't really know what to make of this. But food for thought (the idea that "blondes are dumb" might come from learning disabilities perhaps?). Diane of Letter From Gotham (soon to be in new digs) took up the baton that I received from Cut on the Bias on the whole black-women-angry-at-white-women-for-stealing-their-men-schtick. Diane brought up the issue of "blondeism," the lower bar that fair-haired women have to jump in attractiveness (thanks for the correction Diane). The data is light on the ground and speculation rife in the air. So I'll pile on. Blonde hair dye outsells other colors by five to one. Only a small minority of American women are natural blondes as adults, but look at Playboy or watch television and blondes are far more prominent. A roommate of mine back in college, who had a marketing minor, told me that blondes sell 5% more on a magazine cover, so they are more of a safe bet. Ancient Roman women wore blonde wigs. It seems that there is a natural preference for blondes. If it was cultural, one would find at least one European culture where there is a preference for dark hair among women, but I know of none (readers can correct me here). I think it is clear that there is sexual selection for blondism because it is a childish trait that accentuates a woman's youth (the one other region of the world where blondism is common, among the central Australian tribes, the trait is associated with women and children). On the other hand, is the blonde preference cross-racial? Is it part of a "peacock" effect where humans have no natural speed limit but gorge their eyes on golden hair if possible? I am not so sure about this. I would like to see data on whether isolated tribal people prefer blondes to non-blondes. I read in In the context of American culture this preference for blondes favors white women. Blacks and Asians who bleach their hair blonde look ridiculous. I know, I've done it twice (I did it for the ridiculousness of it, but don't plan on it anytime in the future). On the other hand, most whites can become bottle blondes and if it is done well can pass as one of the fair-haired elite (ever take a look at pictures of mouse-brown haired Norma Jean?). When I was in 8th grade one of the classes I took was about social interaction and public issues. We split up into groups. I happened to have the token black girl at our school (her father was black, her mother white) in my group. There were about six groups, and only our group did not include "blonde" as a physical feature of the "perfect girl." I don't suspect this was a coincidence, because it is not a large leap in logic to conclude that because non-white women can never look naturally blonde they can never aspire toward physical perfection. And let's be honest, for young men physical perfection is the only type there is for women. What can I say? Life sucks. [1] The modern vogue in Japan for brown hair and eye surgery to mimic the Western look is very much going against historical norms. It is a classic case of cultural emulation. On the other hand, light skin has always been associated with beauty and class. [2] My sister has very dark reddish-brown hair (obviously more brown than red). In a crowd of white people her hair looks basically black, but when set next to the blue-black hair of my brothers & I, the difference is instantly noticeable. My mother hoped it was a childhood related condition, but her hair
Posted by razib at
03:44 AM
In my experience, natural blondes quite shrewd. They understand the dumb, tittering, shallow that's just women. blondes just have more opportunity to play them.... Posted by: razib at December 28, 2002 12:27 PMOne little nit, Razib, blondeism isn't the actual "superiority of blondes" but the perceived greater It's a nit, but to me, an important nit. Curiously, this doesn't work with men, which fits in with the whole neoteny bit. Tall, dark & handsome is 1) i deserved that, after all my rambling about how people are *different* and not *superior* or *inferior* 2) the tall-dark-handsome thing is interesting, though i wonder at those who assert that indo-european gods tend to be "blonde-beasts." most women i know do tend to associate blonde men with an almost child-like beauty-and before the 19th century i have read that blonde males were stereotyped as feckless dreamers. would be nice to have more data on this (anyone know the hair color of the homeric heroes well? i believe achilles, odysseus and idomeneus are all described as "red-haired") Posted by: razib at December 28, 2002 03:17 PM1) No prob. :) 2) Erm....I think I was talking about a preference for paedomorphic qualities in chix, and neoteny wasn't In my observations, men from very white countries like dark women. I could be wrong, but there are many cases of German men who come here as tourists and get married to darker-than-average Brazilian women. Maybe men value the rare, the novelty. I myself think that I'm more attracted to blondes when I am Brazil than in America, as though I adapted to the new proportions. Strange, eh? Posted by: Gustavo Lacerda at December 29, 2002 07:58 PMWell, if you assume that blondes are, on a purely physical basis, considered more attractive than brunettes, it follows that blondes will also, on average, be dumber (assuming that brains actually give a woman a selective advantage in finding a mate.) A slightly dumber blond will have a same chance of winning a mate as a slightly smarter brunette Obviously, this is grossly simplified, and you'd have to add in maternal affects and 2nd or third order Of course, this sort of easy just-so Ev. Psych. argument is immediately and rightly suspect, but I thought I'd at least throw it out there. Posted by: Doug Turnbull at December 30, 2002 12:18 PMA minor point: If the pigment-deficient are more likely to be left-handed, it may be because we are less Diana: "One little nit, Razib, blondeism isn't the actual "superiority of blondes" but the perceived greater attractiveness of blonde hair in women, which means that the bar is set higher for brunettes. (Think Zeta-Jones v. Zellweger.)" This is so true. Posted by: -R at December 30, 2002 05:17 PMWhy do fairer skinned girls have more fun, but women like their men tall, dark, and handsome? That's why females are called "the fair sex." We don't often consciously notice that sex difference in modern America because of the wide differences in skin color caused by America's racial diversity. Nonetheless, it's a common feeling around the world. It tends to lead to rich people becoming lighter skinned than poor people since rich men will marry fairer skinned girls and have fairer skinned sons who will continue the process. Posted by: Steve Sailer at December 31, 2002 12:25 AMI can't quantify an Irish preference for dark hair among women but a common poetic name for Ireland is A male friend of mine from China tells me he doesn't like blondes and is somewhat perplexed by their I've always assumed that light skin was preferred because in agricultural societies the peasants are joanne's idea is common, and i myself think it has some validity. what we should look at is do non- Doug, I think your analysis of the dumb blonde stereotype missing a crucial factor. If blonde women are The fact that blondes may be more prone to learning disabilities does not mean that blondes without I would also like to comment on whether a preference for blondes is just a sexual selection or if it I, as a blonde student have always been reassured by fellow classmates and friends that I am the exception I'm actually doing a journalism assignment on whether or not blondes actually have more fun. But before Jen - blondes are girls with yellowish hair. I don't know where to stand on dirty blondes and "dyed Perosnally, being blonde doesn't mean being stupid. I certainly can not figure out why blondes are Oh, and to add to that I did misspell a few words...I was in a hurry to catch my next class when I found Here's the thing. Non-blondes are calling the blondes attractive, stupid, having to use looks to get around life, etc...... While For both sides it is true. Most non-blondes are just sick of the stuck-up personailties of blonde people who think they're better than I've only ever known one natural blonde in my life who doesn't flirt with boys or dyed her hair to attract People who truely love and care for you in life will judge you by your heart not with your looks. People I would rather get with a person who loved me just for being myself than live a lie and have to do this and I'm NATURALLY blond and i'm African American and i think its ignorant to say blacks will always look There is a study in England demonstrating that the individuals who appear less intelligent are the same "The brown model was rated as more shy, and the natural blonde as more popular." Someone mentioned IQ above and it's true that the Northern Europeans have some of the highest IQs. As for blonde jokes, they do outnumber brunette jokes 10 – 1. This helps back up both ideas that I've read that this issue will fade in two hundred years basically because of the combination of the media A great deal of media is mostly owned by a group of people who are great marketers. You'll note that in I am a natural brunette, and am half-filipino. I think that the whole blondes v brunettes thing is ridiculous and can't understand for the life of me why people are so shallow and narrow-minded as to make assumptions about how feminine a woman is based on her hair colour. I also don't get those stupid people who are all like 'grr i hate blondes' because what right have they to immediately decide they hate someone just because of their hair colour? It's ridiculous and i think all people can be considered beautiful regardless of their hair colour. Posted by: Cat at June 29, 2003 06:42 AMI am a natural brunnette and im constantly irritated on how men in school always think blondes are better because they are "ditzier" wich is totally untrue! My friend is blonde and just recently started acting all stupid because she wants guys to like her~wich is so lame!!! UGH people are so shallow to even make sterotypes about the color of someones hair!! i mean cmon its a color!! I personally think brunnetes are prettier! Posted by: UNKNOWN at July 1, 2003 05:39 PMHey whats up? I don't think hair color really matters but I'll still share my opinions with you people. I think brunettes are hotter cause they are sexier and more exotic looking. They usually have nice bodies too with curves and big tits and nice tight asses. Blondes are cool too, but I`m not really attracted to them as much. Their kinda too white ' ya know. Theres a lot of famous blondes around, but i'm into the dark haired girls like penelope cruz, alyssa milano, j.lo and whoever. Posted by: Todd at July 9, 2003 10:15 AMThere is nothing more exotic than a beautiful, bold brunette with pale blue eyes and porcilin skin.... especially if she is smart. Blonds evolved in cold climate regions to adapt to their environment. The earth has been getting hotter every year, so wouldn't it be wise to understand that brunettes have the evolutionary advantage? Brunettes and blonds have the same amount of estrogen....neither is more female than the other, though one does have an evolutionary edge. Also, most countries with declining birth rates have more blonds than countries with high birth rates. Natural selection depends on fertility and reproductive rates. Posted by: Pamela at July 14, 2003 07:26 PMOkay. No hair color/weight/height/skin color/eye color is better than another. It's the beauty of DIVERSITY, people. Come on, wouldn't it be boring if we all looked the same? There are a few actresses in Hollywood who are NATURAL blondes...Meg Ryan, Drew Barrymore, Kim Basinger, Charlize Theron, Kirsten Dunst, & Melanie Griffith, to name a few. Uma Thurman actually is a natural redhead, not a blonde. There are some lovely brunette actresses too...Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ashley Judd, Liv Tyler, Gwyneth Paltrow (former brunette), Marilyn Monroe (former brunette), Lucy Lawless, Justine Bateman, Yasmine Bleeth, Pam Anderson (former brunette), etc. So, no, blondes are not prettier & no, they don't have more fun. Blonde women are unfairly stereotyped as being loose, silly sluts...on the other hand, it's not "jealous brunettes" who perpetuate this. What reason would I, a beautiful AND bright brunette, have to envy a blonde? There's lots of fun in being brunette, believe me. I believe the stereotype comes from the fact that in the 1940's, blonde hair was in. It was considered very glamorous for a woman to have light hair at that time. Most people would be surprised to know that Marilyn Monroe was NOT blonde. She was, in fact, a dark brunette until 1948...her hair was bleached blonde to advance her career. The same with Jayne Mansfield. Jane Russell's hair remained black as did Liz Taylor's. These starlets were all really DARK-HAIRED with lush figures (think Bettie Page, too), but blonde hair was in demand at the time so most of them started bleaching away. Most adults who had fair hair as children later end up being light or dark brunettes. Most natural blondes are dark blondes...very light blonde hair is a recessive gene & therefore extremely rare. In blacks, it is almost nonexistent. I happen to be a mixed person with porcelain skin & dark hair & I can say that it is RARE for black women to be naturally blonde, even when light-skinned. Beyonce Knowles is not a good example, as her hair is not her own...she has what we call a "weave." And it looks very unnatural on her. Mariah Carey naturally has light brown hair that has been both bleached & highlighted blonde...she is NOT a natural blonde. No, blonde hair looks foolish on anyone not of European descent, simply because blonde hair is primarily a European trait, albeit a rare one. Blondes are not prettier, more fun, more feminine & vivacious than brunettes. People have their preferences, of course, but brunettes are just as beautiful. Marilyn Monroe was no blonde before her career took off. Neither was Liz Taylor, Jayne Mansfield, Jane Russell, Bettie Page, or Joan Collins. Most brunettes have a dark beauty that cannot be described. I find blond, dark-haired, & black men attractive. Blond males tend to be boyishly charming, dark-haired men tend to be very sensual, & black men tend to go after what they want in life. It used to be said that blondes & nice figures went hand in hand, but I think it more depends on the person. I'm dark-haired & I've always heard that I have a beautiful figure. Lots of brunettes have nice figures. So it doesn't do to stereotype or generalize people based on looks or hair color. Posted by: anonymous at July 23, 2003 01:52 PMI'm naturally blonde. Both of my parents are naturally blonde, so the choice really wasn't mine. My Mother's family is from Germany and my Father's are from the highlands of Scotland - so we have quite a few redheads and blondes in our family and very few brunettes. It's all predetermined by genetics. My distant ancestors weren't roaming around in the desert - but were instead roaming around in the cooler and more overcast areas of Northern Europe. Because of this it wasn't necessary for us to develop darker skin as a protective mechanism from the sun. And our eyes didn't have to generally darken to the extent at which some African Americans eyes did because the rays of the sun weren't so intense where we were. What I wanted most to comment on was the many posts about the supposed genetic defects, decreased fertility, learning disabilities, stupidity or 'ditziness' that are being claimed to be inherently more pronounced in the fairer groups of people. I call Bu!!sh!t on that. I'm disgusted by the sterotypes. I'm especially tired of the countless dumb blonde jokes that I'm forced to endure while interacting with the remarkable number of mentally challenged brunettes that I come into contact with. To generalize that blondes are somehow less intelligent based on their hair color is ridiculous enough - but then to go as far as to claim that it has been assumed or hypothesized that blondes inherit this 'stupidity' is even more ridiculous. Another pathetic attempt to make blondes appear to be at a disadvantage to brunettes. I could honestly care less if the majority of men in the world find me to be the ideal or even attractive. It is true however that men do generally treat blondes differently than brunettes. Men tend to joke with me and tease me more when speaking to me, when intersted or attracted to me, and maybe that is because they have fallen prey to the vast numbers of rumors and false information about blonde women. There is a difference there. Maybe that's why blondes have more fun? I've only been a blonde so I have nothing to base a comparison on other than my observations. It's frustrating to have someone already potentially assuming that you're unitelligent before they have even spoken to you - but people do generalize and have preconceived notions about certain groups of people. There are always exceptions to the rule. And I have to say that I have met my fair share of dumb brunettes and dumb blondes alike. And as far as the comment that Commenter made about how she or he has only known one natural blonde who wasn't a slut, basically, and whom she never knew to 'flirt with boys' and such. What's wrong with flirting with boys? And if you're a blonde is it somehow worse to flirt with boys? And to be a blonde and flirt makes you a slut or less likeable and respectable? As a woman, like most women, if you're single and interested in someone - you flirt. Men do it, women do it. I don't see what's wrong with that. There is a huge difference between flirting and promiscuity. To flirt and be happy is not necessarily to be a slut. Give me a break. Most blondes that you see acting like morons and idiots are generally those who were brunette for the majority of their lives and are now overwhelmed by the attention they're receving from becoming a blonde - and they become ditzy and foolish. Most blondes who have been blonde for their whole lives are generally those who are tired of the labels and lack of respect given to them. Please stop generalizing. Posted by: Amy at August 3, 2003 12:58 AM Well...I don't know what Commenter said that you found offensive. She never used the word 'slut' at all. And she never said anything was wrong with people flirting. No, I believe what she meant was that she has a lot of respect for her friend, who is a REAL blonde with a good personality & lots of intelligence...hence, men are attracted to her for these qualities, not just her blond hair. I have heard that blondes are treated differently by men (better), but as a brunette, I've never experienced that at all. I've had a blonde friend for about 7 years who is jealous of the fact that I receive more attention than she does when we're together! There's a lot of popular myth surrounding blondes but IMO, it's only hype...it's only a hair color, like somebody said. It upsets me that people are stereotyped/labeled for whatever reason. I'm not sure how any of it started, really. People believe it was due to Hollywood actresses back in the 50's but as I said, most of them were just very sexy BRUNETTE women who went blonde as a career move or simply because they wanted to. Amy, you sound like a very strong person...a fine quality. I agree, most of the "ditzy blondes" were former brunettes...however, I don't agree with (quote): "now overwhelmed by the attention they're receiving by becoming blonde" (end quote). These particular "bottle blondes" were probably ditzy & foolish in the first place. The fact that they decided to go blonde only played up the dumb blonde stereotype even more, unfortunately for the natural ones. There are some pretty blondes. There are some pretty redheads. There are some very pretty brunettes who are even more beautiful & sexy than some blondes. All in all, you seem strong & confident. Don't let people's stupidity & judgemental attitudes get to you. If they want to judge you by your hair color, that's their problem. You know the real deal about who you are as a PERSON, not just a blonde. Posted by: anonymous at August 17, 2003 06:05 PMBrunettes are not Blonde. A Brunette who bleaches herself is a Bleached Brunette. The stereotype of the DumbSlutBlonde was actually created by the DumbSlutBleachedBrunette. If you ignore the false name these women use you will see that the dumbslut profile matches exactly with the well-known attitudes, behaviors and actions of Bleached Brunettes. Blondes are in a FORCED association with Bleached Brunettes because they use our name. These women need to be OUTED and FORCED For more see blondfrombirth.org Posted by: carol at August 25, 2003 11:20 AMHi, what is wrong with you. I am a brunette, with dark, almost black hair and ivory skin, and green eyes. i would never go back to blonde, because it looked cheep. i think brunettes are gorgeous... besides, all the blondes out there are dyed blondes? bleached blondes always come off looking trashy, in my opinion Posted by: brunette at September 19, 2003 08:11 AMHi, I am a natural brunette, and I find it very insulting that some people find it necessary to dub brunettes who dye thier hair blonde as having created "the dumb blond" myth. Not ALL brunettes who dye thier hair BLOND are ditzy, stupid and clueless, just as not ALL NATURAL BLONDES are genuises with IQ's that could rival Einsteins you asshole. (Amy)(carol) I, myself am a natural brunnette,and all I have EVER hear from society, is how much prettier, better, more popular and overall more confident blondes are. So, who is anyone to blame brunettes for dying thier hair because they feel pressure to conform to society because they foolishly buy into the perceptions and illusions of those who say blondes are better? What we need to hear more, is that we are fine just as we are, that brunettes are NOT sabotaging the blondes, and it is unfair as well as immature to scapegoat us for all the blonde jokes that go around. Also, pale, Eurpoean skin is not a trait that soley goes along with blonde haired people. I am Irish and Scottish as well as English and I am fairer than more blondes I know. The only difference is, I have dark hair. To those who are pretentious enogh to think that all brunettes wish to dye thier some ugly blonde color need to get in touch with reality. I love my dark hair, and I wouldn't dye it a blonde color, because I am beautiful just the way I am. Remember, stereotypes are for the mentally challenged among us, who cannot fathom the thought process to form an opinion any other way. (Don't worry, that wasn't another blonde joke.) Not that there's any shortage.... Posted by: Sara at September 20, 2003 10:29 PMp.s., Also if what Carol says is true: "The stereotype of the DumbSlutBlonde was actually created by the DumbSlutBleachedBrunette. If you ignore the false name these women use you will see that the dumbslut profile matches exactly with the well-known attitudes, behaviors and actions of Bleached Brunettes." I would like to ask her, how she can so hypocritically condemn the stereotyping of blondes while stereotyping those brunettes who dye thier hair blonde. Dying your hair ANY color shouldn't leave you open to an attack, and it most certainly does not automatically determine your I.Q. Grow up. (If that's possible in your lifetime.) I am a brunette ~~~~~~~~~~~~~>Most boys don't getattracted to brunettes... my boys do..... I, myself am a natural brunnette,and all I have ever hear from others, is how much prettier, better, more popular and overall more confident blondes are. Well... I'm sorry to say, I'm pretty and confident. And Overall.... I'm popular. So wutz the peoples problem? I'm getting closer n closer to brunettes every day and edging away from blondes who say "I'm blonde and I have more fun than you" I'm speaking directly to you, Chelsea DeLong. Earlier today you mentioned, "It's scientificly proven that Blondes have more fun than Brunettes. They stick out and have tunz of fun. Get real and get dye if your life is sooo cool." I'm sorry Chelsea but dye won't do it for me. I have a cool life cool friends and the coolest hair color. No one can ever take away my proudness of being a 'dumb brunette'. That's how it'll remain. I'm representing my brunette friends, and I'm sticking with them. We have fun! We have a life! And blonde hair duz not make it that way! I have brunette colored hair! I AM A PROUD DUMB BRUNETTE! That is my point! Did you get all that? I don't think I did...But i wrote it...o well...
Manda, I, myself am a natural brunnette,and all I have ever hear from others, is how much prettier, better, more popular and overall more confident blondes are. I was not stating that brunettes are not as sexy as blondes, but rather, that is all I ever hear, from society in general. Now, please don't spread this "dumb brunette" thing around, you're going to give us a worse rep than the blondes have right now! lol Posted by: Sara at October 10, 2003 11:50 PMTo comment on Steve's point about how the "blonder" nations of Europe scored higher on academic tests than "darker" European nations. Could these higher scores be due to the fact that many of these tests, which were composed by white, western Europeans, pose a cultural bias. This may be comparable to asking both Canadian and American students to write identical tests on Canadian history. Gee...I wonder if the Canadian students would score better?...Just a suggestion. Posted by: Andy at October 11, 2003 09:04 PMI am a person of mixed race and I am not really affected by the whole "blonde vs. brunette" conflict. First of all, no offense, but I think that you're all a bunch of white people who don't know how good you all have it, regardless of your hair colour. What does slightly bother me is when stars like beyonce and J-Lo get successful only after lightening (or straightening) their hair, demonstrating that the "whiter" they look, the more accepted they will be. In the case of J-Lo, you can be Latina and it's ok, as long as you have white features. Instead of bleaching, straightening and lightening themselves, why don't they just be proud of their ethnic appearance and not try to change their looks. Posted by: Rachel at October 11, 2003 09:18 PM |
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