The ‘Dumb Blonde’ stereotype dates back decades, rooted in a societal expectation that a woman’s value lies in her appearance rather than her intellect – a trope perpetuated by Hollywood and tabloid culture alike. I was a Dumb Blonde, like others before meWhen I was a teenager, I could recite at least five different Dumb Blonde jokes without hesitation. I had always been a smart, studious child, but I began leaning into the Dumb Blonde identity when I saw it working in my favour. Hannah Montana, technically a fake blonde, could be smart, while her best friend Lily embodied the classic Dumb Blonde. ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett CollectionParis Hilton, the Smart Blonde?