Marilyn Monroe was a woman who lived and thrived in the spotlight. Monroe was immortalized in her words; she is said to have once said: “I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I'm out of control, and sometimes I'm difficult to manage. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you definitely don't deserve me at my best." An American icon is someone whose works, life and message stand the test of time. To understand Marilyn Monroe's impact as an American sex symbol it is necessary to have an explanation of her background, an overview of her acting career, and an analysis of her critics' reviews. Marilyn Monroe was born as Norma Jeane Mortensen on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California (“Marilyn Monroe Biography” 1). Norma Jeane was born into unfortunate circumstances, as her mother struggled with mental illness and she never knew her father (Haas 2). Monroe's early childhood was filled with "traumatic" experiences that may have justified her reliance on psychoanalysis as an adult. It is said that Monroe's first memory was of her mother attempting to smother her with a pillow. Growing up, Monroe spent much of her time in foster care and an orphanage ("Marilyn Monroe Biography" 2). Monroe was deeply affected by the lack of stability during her childhood. Monroe never felt she belonged anywhere and was sexually assaulted as a young girl ("Biography" 1). It can be inferred that Monroe's feelings of abandonment and her negative encounters with men during her youth led to her desperate thirst for the spotlight and her modern sense of sexuality. Although she attended Van Nuys High School, sixteen-year-old Monroe dropped out to marry James Edward Daughtery, an aircraft manufacturing worker... middle of paper... sexuality, her confidence in speaking her mind, and his desire for knowledge. Marilyn Monroe had a positive influence on both women and men and is still relevant today. To understand Marilyn Monroe's impact as an American sex symbol you need to know where she came from and what events shaped her, read critical reviews of her acting career and the impact she had on women. Marilyn Monroe is a legend; his popularity far exceeded his lifespan. The blonde bombshell has been immortalized in the minds and hearts of everyone who hears about, reads, or watches her. He lived every day full of emotions, smiles, tears and everything in between. Marilyn Monroe united women for their common defense, while satisfying men with her love and smiles. Marilyn Monroe embodied the term “American icon” and is still a major Hollywood star today, fifty-one years after her death.