Marilyn Monroe and the Teaparty

Petra gives us the link to this editorial "Making Ignorance Chic" by Maureen Dowd in which she works her way from recent interest in MM to Sarah Palin by way of comments on the bifurcation of beauty and intelligence. (The StarTrib published this with a lovely photo of Monroe wearing glasses, a sure marker of female intelligence.)  I know this seems improbable.  Nonetheless, I think Dowd is on to something important about the character of contemporary political life.  She notes the Monroe made efforts to associate with intellectuals and to participate in their circles.  In contrast, she observes that Palin seems to disdain even the appearance of knowledge and clear thought. Glamour, a sort of magic spell, replaces ability.

:...the Dumb Blonde of '50s cinema had a firm grasp of on one thing: It was cool to be smart. . . . But now another famous beauty with glowing skin and a powerful current, Sarah Palin, has made ignorance fashionable."

You may not be convinced, but the editorial is worth reading and pondering.

an american conversation with petra: on education and women/girls: "Today, there were three fantastic articles in the New York Times that really spoke to me. 1) 'Making Ignorance Chic' by Maureen Dowd This a..."