Marilyn Monroe still represents sexuality because she was the first real celebrity to bring sexuality to the forefront of American culture in a positive way. She was revered by both men AND women even though she represented sex during a time of close-mindedness towards the subject. The Heavenly Bodies article brings up Kinsey's research and The Feminine Mystique, which were all done during the time of Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn's image, I have to think, had a large part in the sexual discourse that was starting during this time period. For a long time, sexual repression was seen to be relatively normal, but obviously it was not very healthy. Women were supposed to be perfect housewives, but Marilyn Monroe represented a sexual woman who was also a great talent and a seemingly amazing woman. The sexual revolution began not long after the period when Marilyn was the biggest movie star. The Heavenly Bodies article also discusses her Playboy spread at length, which I think is incredibly important because it shows that Monroe was not afraid to push boundaries, and to change and shape American culture forever. Playboy was a giant leap towards the sexual freeing of the American public, especially regarding American women.
While Monroe really helped make strides for sexual freedom in America, it is also important to discuss the dichotomy that existed and still exists in America regarding sexuality. Monroe was lauded and revered for her sexuality, yes, but she was often seen in a negative light. Monroe was often not taken seriously because she was solely seen as "The Body," and was completely sexualized. People were fascinated by her and what she stood for, but still had relatively negative and prudish views on sexuality. I think still to this day, this dichotomy exists. People are fascinated by sex and sexuality, but are relatively afraid of it. Sex is often seen as something negative, but American culture is extraordinarily obsessed with it.
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