wargo (11/15/82)
First let me say sorry for the un-finished first message. Now at a first glance do you feel that Brunettes have a higher I.Q. then do Blondes? Please send responces to net.misc or me direct ucbvax!sdcsvax!sdcsla:wargo
rew (11/19/82)
I have a pet theory concerning the attitudes in our culture regarding blondes. These attitudes seem to be cross sexual to some degree - that is, similar traits are ascribed to blondes of both sexes. Among these are lack of intelligence, naivete and culturally 'sex-appropriate' positive physical characteristics. For example, the stereotypical blonde woman: dumb, large breasted and naive; the stereotypical blonde man: dumb, large muscled and naive. We all know, of course, that these are stereotypes, nonetheless, they persist. I suggest that these stereotypes are derived from perceptions of children in cultural groups where children have blond hair that gradually turns darker as they grow older. The perceived characteristics of young children (lack of intelligence relative to adults, naivete and physical well being, again relative to their decrepit elders) appear to be those ascribed to older individuals who retain the distinguishing characteristic of children. Now this hypothesis leads to several predictions: Cultural groups in which people retain predominantly blond hair throughout adult life should not have the stereotyped view of blondes, since blond hair is not associated with young children exclusively. Cultural groups in which young children are not blond to start out with should not have stereotyped views of blondes, since blond hair is not associated with young children at all. Cultural groups in which young children are blond when young but turn brunette as they age should show the strongest propensity to ascribe stereotyped traits to blond adults. This should vary with the proportion of children who show the physical trait. Anyone know of cross cultural studies on the question? Bob Warren cbosgd!nscs!rew
jmr1 (11/24/82)
How about red-heads???? Where do they stand???? I'm not one but I know a few. Now that I'm thinking about it what about those black haired folks with small patches of grey???? John Reese ll1!jmr1