Before Paris Hilton, Jessica Alba, Pamela Anderson, and Nichole Ricci became household names, we became familiar to the original sex symbol of all – Betty Boop. Who could not know her? Her irresistible hair, curvey body, adorable eyes and cute antics made her a cartoon star of her own. Men adore her and women wish to be like her. She was the brain child of Fleischer studio modeled from the persona of Helen Kane, a singer from Paramount Pictures.
Betty Boop’s debut appearance was on August 9, 1930 in Dirty Dishes and starred in only two colored films “Poor Cinderella” and “Crazy Town” in 1932. Her infamous sexual appeal and skimpy outfits have made her as the first cartoon to portray a sexual woman, which gave her the title “Queen of the Animated Screen”. In 1934 however, the image of Betty was changed into a more conservative one as Production Code Censorship was enforced throughout the industry. To many the character of Betty Boop was a breath of fresh air since it gave a new perspective to animation industry as cartoons become popular to older men. The confidence that Betty exudes became the factor for men to be magneted in their screens and for real women to express their own sensuality as well. The era of Betty Boop has motivated women during that time to show off their sensual side and be liberal of their thoughts and actions. Even as a cartoon, Betty became a symbol not only of sex but also of freedom to exercise one’s right in a free country.
Although the censorship of Betty Boop led to her popularity decline, it has opened doors for new creative ideas in the field in the field of cartoons that connoted liberal ideas such as Simpsons, Spongebob Squarepants, Family Guy and many more. Her trademark pout and batting eyes had made consistently popular throughout the ages. Truly a star at her own league, Betty Boop will always be everyone’s eye candy.
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