Sex symbol
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A sex symbol is a famous and/or notable person, male or female, who is found sexually attractive by the general audience.
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[edit] Film
The film industry played an important part in the rise of sex symbols. It disseminated images of beautiful people around the world, especially in the time of silent films, when there were no language barriers. One of the first sex symbols was the Danish actress Asta Nielsen in the 1910s and 1920s. Actresses Theda Bara and Pola Negri, famed for their vamp roles, were also early female sex symbols and Rudolph Valentino was the first male sex symbol. Later iconic sex symbols created by the film industry include Mae West, Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner, Marlon Brando, Sean Connery, Marilyn Monroe, and Brigitte Bardot.
[edit] Music
Rock and roll music also played a part in the introduction of sex symbols to pop culture. Classic examples, such as Elvis Presley, Mick Jagger, James Morrison, Steven Tyler, Prince (musician),and Michael Jackson, set the stage for contemporary examples, such as Justin Timberlake, Eminem, and 50 Cent. The most definitive classic examples of feminimity in music would arguably be Madonna (musician) and Janet Jackson, with contemporary musicians such as Brittney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Pink (musician).
[edit] Qualities
Sometimes sex symbols can be people who are not portrayed as beautiful or handsome, but possess other qualities that make them sexually attractive. These people are often highly articulate, inviting, and alluring; they usually have extraordinary communication skills as well. An example is Henry Kissinger during his service in the presidency of Richard Nixon.
[edit] Teen idols
Many teen idols are also sex symbols. In particular, boy bands are frequently regarded as sex symbols by adoring fans. Fans frequently focus their attention on a single member of the group, but the entire group is seen as a sex symbol by association. There is often a discrepancy between teen idols and sex symbols. However, where teen idols are sex symbols to the youth audience, "real" sex symbols also appeal to adults, and sometimes appeal to the teenage audience as well. Many people believe the trademark "Barbie" is a sex symbol too.
Ń== External links ==
- BBC: Men pip for the Posh type
- Google Zeitgeist, has a list of the most searched for female celebrities on Google
