Influence Of A Legend: Marilyn Monroe

a. Her influence was positive and lasting

Over the years, there have been hundreds of celebrities and stars for people to envy, admire, and enjoy. However, the most lasting image we have of stardom is the image of Marilyn Monroe. “When you speak of the American way of life, everybody thinks of chewing gum, Coca-Cola and Marilyn Monroe” (“Quotes” n pag.). Marilyn was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1st, 1926. She rose above her poor background and troubled childhood to become one of the most revered stars in the history of showbiz. Norma Jeane’s beautiful face had always drawn attention to her, and she began to model when she was in her teens. On August 26, 1946, Norma Jeane got her first studio contract with Fox and changed her name to Marilyn Monroe. With th

In the world of art, Marilyn is forever remembered as the subject of a Pop-Art image created by artist Andy Warhol. Nobody knows what possessed him to choose her as his subject. “Perhaps Warhol could identify with Marilyn’s desperate attempt to rid herself of the dumb-blonde stereotype and to be taken seriously as an artist” (Decker n pag.). At the time in his life when he made the brightly colored piece, Pop Art was being ridiculed as consumerism and a form of advertising. Warhol, like the rest of America, knew of Marilyn’s life and death. He “admired Marilyn’s glittering career and became fascinated and impressed with the amount of publicity her death generated" (Decker npag.). This could be the second main reason he created the image, which was originally from a scene out of the movie Niagara. Whatever his reason for creating this work of art, it has lasted as the most memorable image the world has of big screen sex goddess, Marilyn Monroe. In the 1980’s, a young woman known as Madonna began her climb to the top. Marilyn is “the ultimate role model for young women and girls who admire her glamour and image” (Klein n pag.). She gives them hope for the future. Like Marilyn, Madonna was from a poor background and started with nothing. It is obvious that “Madonna’s idol is Marilyn Monroe-in her early days Madonna dyed her hair blonde and had clothing similar to that of Marilyn” (Klein n pag.). She, like many young girls, viewed Marilyn as the height of sexiness. Madonna wanted to bring something new to the world of music and showbusiness. She “came along and shocked us all. But Marilyn did that back in the ‘50s” (Christenson n pag.). Madonna’s “Material Girl” song is reminiscent of “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,” because they both focus on girls who desire material things. Madonna and Marilyn both showed that riches can rise from rags. Finally, “Britney Spears, a modern day pop star, has in every way tried to copy Marilyn” (Klein n pag.). She, too, dyes her hair blonde and wears glittery dresses. In her video for the song “Lucky,” Britney is done up like Madonna and appears sad with all her wealth. It is easy for Britney to copy the famous sex symbol. “She has the same gorgeous heart-shaped face as Marilyn Monroe” (Lee n pag.). Over the past several years, Britney has risen against all odds to become the reigning pop queen of the new millennium. However, she is just one of millions who were impacted by Marilyn Monroe.

gic death have made her a legend who grows over time.

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