Remembering Marilyn Monroe, the subtle feminist of her time

"If I'd observed all the rules, I'd never have got anywhere."

"When it comes down to it, I let people think what they want. And if they care enough to bother with what I do, I already know I'm better than them."

"Fear is stupid. So are regrets."

"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring."

Oh, don't we just love her! The legendary Marilyn Monroe didn't just preach, but truly lived by her (un)rules. Remembering her on her death anniversary today, SheThePeople delves into her life, achievements, her ideas and the 'Monroe' way of life.

'Vanity Fair' called her the smartest "dumb blonde" of the 20th century. She did not rally to fight for women's rights, she did not shout slogans, and she did not join protests to shout her opinion. She was critiqued for her affairs, sexual indiscretions, boldness, and her 'I don't give a damn' attitude to life. Today, we choose to celebrate her for exactly those things. We all struggle with being true to ourselves. But Monroe surpassed that hurdle beautifully, actually living her ideals.

Monroe entered Hollywood knowing the kind of sexism it practiced and supported. "Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul," she famously said. She not only dealt with it in her own charming and charismatic way, she even opposed the underlying norms for women laid down by society. She embraced her sexuality in a way that made the world uncomfortable, and aren't we glad she did that. During an interview, she was asked: "Do you pose for the photographer or the mirror?" and she replied, "The mirror. I can always find Marilyn in the mirror."

Image Credit: versusbattle.com

 It is impossible to not be awed by her performances in movies like All About Eve, Some Like It Hot, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and The Seven Year Itch. She did 29 movies, and was popular for her voluptuous figure and blonde hair, because of course, why would anyone comment on her performance? (Read sarcasm)

Monroe was found dead in her bed with a prescription drug overdose on August 5, 1962. More than 50 years later, there are still rumours of murder, which means her death remains a mystery.

She was the subtle feminist of her time, an inspiration then and an inspiration now.