Image: Legally Blonde was all the proof we needed. (Image: Type A Films).
Fact: there is nothing less funny in this world than a “dumb blonde” joke.
For decades, if not centuries, the flaxen-haired among us have been plagued by lame punchlines and tired stereotypes — even straight-up discrimination in some cases — about their hair colour and its supposed effect on their intelligence.
Now, researchers at the Ohio State University have invested their precious time and effort to prove what every blonde has always known to be true: having lighter hair doesn’t automatically make you dumb.
Thanks, science! (Now, how’s that cancer cure coming along…?)
A study of 10,878 “white women” in the US found those with naturally blonde hair had an average IQ score within three points of brunettes, redheads and women with black hair. The findings were similar for blond men.
Watch: How to master the messy fishtail braid. (Post continues after video.)
In fact, the blonde women surveyed actually had a slightly higher average IQ than those with different hair colours, although the researchers insist this isn’t “statistically significant.”
“I don’t think you can say with certainty that blondes are smarter than others, but you can definitely say they are not any dumber,” study author Jay Zagorsky says.
Yes, OK. But just quietly, blondes, you have our full permission to whip that second finding out next time someone throws a blonde joke your way.
While you're at it, you can also remind them of the veritable smorgasbord of intelligence, high-achieving women whose brains clearly haven't been inhibited by their hair colour. (Post continues after gallery.)
Blondes are 'dumb'? Pfft, please.
Now that science has cleared this boring old stereotype up — and hopefully killed off the 'dumb blonde' punchline in the process — we wouldn't mind if they'd take a closer look into whether blondes really have more fun.
The brunettes of The Glow HQ are feeling defensive about that one.
Are you a blonde? Have you ever been discriminated for it?