Sofia Vergara Loves Playing The Dumb ‘Sexy Bimbo’ For Money

“I think that the concept of being sexy and smart is difficult for many to grasp,” Sofia Vergara told Glam Belleza Latina in its latest issue. “Most people are more comfortable with the notion of ‘sexy bimbo.’ And I have to admit that I’ve capitalized on that to negotiate a couple of times, when the ‘smart ones’ think I have no idea what I can deliver, and I end up costing them more.”

She has a point, too often girls are told they can either be smart or pretty and certainly not see themselves as both. While asserting that you are dumb to get your foot in the door then turning ignorant folk on their heads and taking them for all they are worth is a great strategy, I think it’s time women move on from that. Playing dumb has been used by house wives and HBICs for years including media moguls like Madonna, Marilyn Monroe, Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton.

Pretending to be stupid only does one thing it perpetuates the idea that women are, in fact stupid, but further more it promotes a worse stereotype: that women are Machiavellian, sneaky, malicious and indignant. Presenting yourself one way and then revealing yourself to be another is a sure fire way to seem conniving and untrustworthy.

I am not hating on Sofia, she is obviously good at what she does. She is the highest paid TV actor (man or woman). She is also playing the only game that currently exist for women. You can take the high road and be moderately successful or you can play the game and be very successful. Having women in powerful roles is liberating but I think it’s about time we start finding new ways to break stereotypes.

At least she is honest about it, though. “I’m not ashamed to say I love making money. I like business, and the truth is I save way more than I spend. I invest. I plan for the future. I have a special eye for opportunities and work harder than anyone might expect. It is fun to shock people with my business ideas. Most people just see me as [my Modern Family character] Gloria.”