Betty Boop: America's Sex Icon

A sex icon is defined as, "a famous person, male or female, who is found sexually attractive by the general audience". Upon hearing this definition, does the extremely popular mid-1930's talk-toon Betty Boop come to mind? Betty Boop has been considered America's sex symbol since her debut. Is it her innocent charm? Her sexuality? Her prominent figure which frequently drew attention toward her cleavage?

Though other cartoon figures of the time made sexual references, such as Minnie Mouse showing her panties, Betty Boop defined herself on an entirely different level; a level which defined her as America's newest sex symbol.

"He couldn't take my boop-oop-a-doop away!" proclaims Betty Boop in one of her legendary episodes. Her "boop-oop-a-doop" is what caused her star to shine brighter than those both before and after her.

Her star shined so bright, in fact, that she became the first cartoon character to fully represent a sexual woman. The audiences in the 1930's were clearly attracted to this newly found sexy innocence, skyrocketing her career to new heights, which would continue for years.

In 1988, Betty made her reappearance in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Though invisible to the audience, it is reported the animators had included one frame which displays Betty Boop nude.

However, it has not been confirmed that such a frame existed due to editors replacing it with a clothed Boop when the film made its debut on VHS.

Though only 16 years old, Boop's sexual image would ultimately lead to her doom when the Production Code censorship law insisted Boop wear a higher cut shirt and a longer skirt.

Regardless of America's current sex symbols such as Paris Hilton, Pamela Anderson, and Jenna Jameson, Betty Boop will always remain one of America's original sex symbols.

"Betty Boop - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia." Wikipedia. 28 Nov. 2006. 07 Dec. 2006