Individuals who keep up with the norms of society know that those who wear glasses are associated with being smart, and this preconceived notion is untrue. How did the concept those who wear glasses are intelligent originate?
It seems as if the media has portrayed this idea in multiple platforms. Someone must've created this understanding, and others must have followed in this person's lead. The classic nerds and geeks in most programs and movies wear glasses, and this stereotype seems to remain constant.
One may argue that those who are bright should not need glasses to see because this disability hinders their performance. However, glasses ameliorate the vision of these individuals. Instead of being viewed as an aid, glasses are seen as "dorky." Hence, geeks and nerds are born, and their glasses and brains are seen as pathetic and lame rather than dorky.
The bad boys tend to be the bullies and assholes, and they are the sex symbols. On the contrary, the nerds are the nice guys who are never given a chance by the girl next door because these figures go straight to the tough dudes.
This iconic representation brings me to my next point. Why are the bad guys usually dressed in leather? Did this attire spark from common wear in the 1960s era? Leather jackets were especially popular during this time and are still in style. Perhaps, the "cool guys" keep up with the latest fashion. Again, why do the "nice girls next door" always fall for the bad guys, and why are these women usually blonde with blue eyes?
Where did this portrayal of typical women arise? All-American cookie cutter women are blonde haired and blue eyed for a multitude of reasons. This combination is seen as traditionally beautiful by many, and in America, Caucasian is the dominant race.
Fortunately, more People of Color are positively visible in the media but still follow the preceding blonde haired blue eyed women. Perhaps, another reason contributing to the preference of the blonde hair and blue eye duo is due to Hitler's admiration for people who matched this physique.
Hitler was a powerful dictator for many years, and many individuals took what he said and believed to heart. Thus, this could have been transferred to television and film.
Speaking of blonde hair, why are blondes painted as idiotic? What does one's hair color say about one's IQ? Elle Woods of Legally Blonde fame is a primary character who has gone in opposition to this established theory.
However, elements of her quirkily ditzy and spacey qualities are still present in spite of her genius status achieved when excelling in law school and as a lawyer.
The media truly dictates our perspective of how a person who appears a certain way operates and acts, and television and filmmakers must shake up routine takes on certain types of people and put their own spins on characters as they develop.
