Sierra Dague - Core Response 3

In reading Chapter 1 of Heavenly Bodies, I found it intriguing that Playboy used the biological ‘naturalness’ argument for their existence and fixation on Monroe. They argued that their attraction to Monroe was nothing short of natural. And Monroe was viewed as being ‘naturally’ sexual. Yet, what I find interesting is the long-discussed feminist dynamic of women’s stereotypically most attractive state to a heteronormative man as being innately unnatural in direct conversation with Playboy arguing that their attraction to these ‘unnaturally’ ornate women as being natural. 

That is to say, Playboy argues that it is biologically natural to find these women attractive, but Playboy is depicting said women in an unnatural state. The women have a full face of makeup, their hair styled, their bodies restricted to certain proportions, are often wearing heels, etc. 

I’m not making any argument as to whether it is ‘feminist’ or not to dress in this way– women have the freedom of choice to do whatever they so please. Simply, it's an interesting juxtaposition in philosophy and portrayal. 

Further, the chapter referenced an interview with Monroe in which she replied ‘I had the radio on’ when asked what she had on during the shooting for ‘Golden Dreams’ and called her response “a classic dumb blonde one-liner.” Certainly, this can be interpreted as a ‘dumb blonde’ quote and in line with Monroe’s star image. Yet, I would like to take this analysis further. Her response could also be interpreted as an everyday act of resistance to oppression. 

I don’t believe Monroe to be a dumb blonde at all, but an intelligent woman who made strategic moves to be successful under patriarchy. Her response ‘I had the radio on’ upholds her attractive, innocent persona to woo male viewers while also subverting the interviewer’s idiotic, sexist question. She achieved a similar outcome to if she blatantly called the interviewer out while retaining her fanbase. One doesn’t have to read too far into her response to understand the divisiveness behind it, but doing so would expose the patriarchal structure of Hollywood and consumerism. It is much easier for the interviewer, magazines, and consumers to play along with the dumb blonde act.