"One of my favorite people is Gypsy Rose Lee. She bears out the Biblical promise that he who has, gets. And I hope she gets a lot more"
- Hedy Lamarr
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Hedy Lamarr's quote about Gypsy Rose Lee is a nuanced commentary on success, skill, and perhaps the nature of chance and advantage. Gypsy Rose Lee, an iconic American burlesque performer and starlet, was renowned not just for her performances however also for her wit and intelligence. Lamarr's gratitude for Lee seems to resonate on several levels, reflecting affection, societal observation, and possibly even a tinge of paradox.
When Lamarr remarks, "She substantiates the Biblical pledge that he who has, gets", she recommendations the oft-debated concept of the "Matthew effect" in the sociological context, derived from a scriptural passage in the Gospel of Matthew. The phrase recommends that those who currently have resources or benefits tend to collect more over time, while those without lose additional ground. In acknowledging that Lee exemplifies this concept, Lamarr highlights Lee's capability to constantly build on her skills and successes, therefore acquiring more popularity and wealth. This might indicate Lee's savvy in navigating her career effectively, profiting from her abilities and charisma to sustain her audience and broaden her influence.
Lamarr's hope that Lee "gets a lot more" can be interpreted as authentic well-wishing, indicative of respect and maybe solidarity amongst females in the show business, both of whom dealt with considerable difficulties in a period controlled by male viewpoints and control. It's possible that Lamarr saw in Lee a good example for self-made success, which was differentiated by intelligence and strategy as much as by traditional skill.
Additionally, Lamarr's words might also subtly review the inequities underlying those who prosper and those who do not, explaining the dynamics within society that reward collected success. By expressing her hope that Lee "gets a lot more", Lamarr may not only be wanting Lee personal success but likewise indicating a desire for broader societal modification, where opportunities for development are available to more individuals, not just those who currently have advantages. Therefore, her remark encapsulates both adoration and a broader observation concerning social structures and success.
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