Inktober Day 10: Just a Dumb Blonde

Her first hit was titled “Dumb Blonde” because she knew that’s how people saw her. Over the years she’s heard them all…every dumb blonde joke you can imagine. Dolly Parton never let it bother her. This quote helps us understand how she sees herself – she knows the truth!

People are cruel. They speak without thinking, say things that can haunt us for a lifetime, and without knowing the power they spout words that are meant to be funny and are actually demeaning. All in the name of feeling bigger, putting people down, and creating an environment of control. And then there is the fact that people are just plain stupid and have no idea what they are talking about. Dolly reminds us of that as she tells us that she in not dumb…nor is she blonde! Touché!

It can be hard, yet we all have to put people’s words into perspective. They say and do things without thinking about how it impacts others. Their words, jokes, stories, even reactions can be painful to experience the first time – let alone how all that returns back into our heads over and over again. Instead of letting all that happen, we have to choose to rise above and ignore their ignorance. Easier said than done when it is family or close friends, or worst yet people we respect. They just don’t know or care, so we have to let it go and revoke their power to harm us.

You know the truth about you…better than anyone. YOU know who you are and who you are not. YOU have the power to let things slide away never to be heard or remembered again. YOU have the power to rise above and smile in the face of stupid people and their lazy tongues. And YOU – yes YOU!!! – must think good things, positive things, savor the truth about your skills abilities and ambitions. When you know the truth, the truth will set you free.

I cherish the thought that all those dumb blonde jokes told in Dolly Parton’s presence were told by people who had to sit back and watch her soar beyond anyone’s imagination! She left them in the dust with a smile and a sweet, little giggle…Success is the best revenge!