Pamela Anderson's Definition Of A 'Sex Symbol' Is Iconic: 'Some Kind Of Activism In Their Blood'

Pamela Anderson has gone against the grain ever since she entered the public eye. From her eyebrow-raising performance on "Baywatch" to going makeup-free and showcasing unfiltered pics that have us begging for her skincare routine, she undoubtedly earned her status as a bona fide sex symbol. Yet, for Anderson, being a sex symbol is imbued with deeper meaning. In a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) back in March 2015, "The Last Showgirl" star revealed what being a sex symbol really means to her, while shouting out a fellow icon. 

"... There are so many people who are addicted to fame, but the Jane Fondas and the people that I always respected always had some kind of activism in their blood," Anderson candidly wrote, adding, "Because a symbol of any kind — there's more to them than just looks." And she's right; The Golden Globe nominee has a history of fighting for the causes she believes in. From officially supporting PETA to kickstarting her Pamela Anderson Foundation in 2014, she's a strident advocate for numerous causes. The entrepreneur clearly uses her high-profile name and reputation for the benefit of others, which is something we can all get behind.

Pamela Anderson certainly loves to shock people, and that really comes across in her activism. "The Naked Gun" star could be considered one of the celebs who took activism to the next level by using her looks and the public's preconceived notions of her to direct more eyes to the causes she supports. A great example of this was her being the face of the infamous PETA campaign, "All Animals Have The Same Parts". Anderson posed only in a purple bikini, with her body bisected, categorized, and labeled like a cow's to ultimately push people toward vegetarianism.

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However, Anderson has since changed tactics. The blond bombshell revealed that she now keeps a low-profile when it comes to her advocacy work. In fact, she wasn't afraid to state that she believes that while today's celebrities are following in her footsteps when it comes to promoting causes, it's all ultimately very performative. "I feel a lot of the time with activism, especially with celebrities, it becomes more about the celebrity than the actual cause," she candidly shared with AnOther, continuing, "I'm trying to come from another place. I'm always active but less visibly active..."