As of September 16th, Netflix released Blonde, which was advertised as “a look at the rise to fame and the epic demise of actress Marilyn Monroe, one of the biggest stars in the world.” Due to this description of the film, many viewers were misled as they expected to watch the true story of Marilyn Monroe’s life, when in actuality, it is based on a fictional novel.

From the time of Monroe’s passing, over 16 movies about her have been made, none of which have depicted life from her perspective. The continuing disrespect of Marilyn Monroe contributes to the objectification of all women, as the men she was with, or suspected to be with, throughout her life are the defining aspects of the Monroe story people hear today.

“Please don’t make me a joke. End the interview with what I believe. I don’t mind making jokes, but I don’t want to look like one… I want to be an artist, an actress with integrity,” Monroe stated in an interview she set up to debunk rumors and lies the media had made about her. This movie does exactly what she begged for the public to stop doing, making her into a character, and disregarding the fact that she too was a person who deserved respect. Despite her wishes, the 16 movies created under her name have continued to wrongfully portray her. 

Hollywood has repeatedly classified Marilyn Monroe as a sex symbol instead of the intelligent, accomplished, and talented woman she truly was. “Marilyn keeps getting taken advantage of in life and in death,” says Tuscarora senior Anna Frye. It is time that society puts a stop to the harmful stereotypes of successful women in an attempt to diminish their achievements.