Why do I feel so empowered by a sweatshirt that says " Smart Blonde?" I graduated with High Honors and I'm naturally a brunette. So, why would this sweatshirt speak to me? Simply, It's not something you hear everyday, and I like it.

I understand that stereotypes exist, but I've always been one that really enjoyed breaking them. Why is it that our hair color alone lets people think they know our personality? Where did these ideas start? Ditsy Blonde, feisty redhead, mousy brunette...

Rosalie Duthe is the first recorded " Dumb Blonde". Rosalie was known for pausing so long before speaking that everyone thought her to be "dumb" or possibly having a mental handicap. She even inspired a satirical play in 1775, where all of her contemporaries poked fun at her. Perhaps she wasn't " dumb", maybe she she was just surrounded by jerks and was pausing to put her words in order. We will never know... In any case, after at least 240 years, let's put these mean phrases to rest. There will always be negativity and people who want to tear us down. Here are a few tips for building each other up:

1) Realize that we are all equal and different. We each have different strengths and we should use those strengths to support and encourage one another.

2) When you meet someone new, stop and look for 1 positive trait. Look for the good in others.

3) Give genuine compliments. We love when people notice our fabulous blowout, but it's more enriching to compliment someone's patience, kindness, endurance, or positivity.

Shakespeare coined the phrase "All the world's a stage." If that's the case, there's room for all of us up there. The Blonde, the Redhead and The Brunette. So reach out your hand to the gal next to you and help her up. It's time for the second act!