How did Marilyn Monroe impact society?
I think she would be a great choice for your research paper because she was a complex woman who led an interesting life, and because there is a plethora of info available on her. Marilyn helped pave the way for the sexual revolution by selling sex in a form that was daring yet within public acceptance. Marilyn was one of the first women to be overtly sexual and play sweet, naive, and innocent characters. Prior to the 50’s, there had either been vampy brunettes like Theda Bara, or girl next door blondes. Marilyn broke this barrier, and this can also be seen as a feminist achievement because she helped to break down the age old Madonna/Whore complex that was instilled in society. By making selling sex publicly acceptable, Marilyn also helped to allow women today the sexual freedoms they enjoy (she was the first Playboy centrefold, although she didn’t pose for the magazine).
