In the 1950s, beauty pageants, Barbie dolls, and icons like Marilyn Monroe played significant roles in shaping societal perceptions of beauty and sexuality. These cultural phenomena are all very well-known aspects of the period and set an expectation for femininity, beauty ideals, and gender roles, reflecting and perpetuating the dominant standards of the time. With minimal regard for the conservative climate of the time, they remained popular due to their ability to both conform to and challenge prevailing attitudes, appealing to all relevant audiences. The first modern beauty pageant took place in 1921. By the 1950s these showcases became part of everyday pop culture, influencing societal standards of femininity, beauty, and physical appearance. These contests …show more content…
Marilyn Monroe, one of the most iconic sex symbols of the 1950s, along with the modern day, displayed a combination of sexuality and sensuality, challenging the traditional view of public femininity. Monroe's image and overt sexuality pushed the boundaries of what was considered appropriate in the conservative climate of the 1950s. Despite this deliberate boundary push, her presence was still widely accepted. She conformed to the beauty standard of being thin but still embraced her breasts and other assets, satisfying the male gaze. Her looks and wealth gave the public a look into what it would be like to live a different lifestyle. Being a platinum, blue-eyed, glamorous woman at the time intrigued viewers and made her undeniably captivating. Monroe's appeal lay in her ability to challenge dominant images of femininity while also conforming to certain aspects of them, such as beauty and an upper-class lifestyle. Barbie dolls, introduced in the late 1950s, fortified societal norms surrounding femininity and