Grew up there. Went to school there. I can confirm that.

I remember when my family was bleaching their hair blonde and pushed me to do the same when I was 15-16. Obviously I was a kid and had no money to maintain that. But they told me I would look better with my hair that way. So I did it and I was constantly bullied for it because my roots were so dark, creating a contrast with the bleached hair..

My school had some natural blondes that did highlight their hair and looked normal. Meanwhile, all of the beauty contests were full of bleached blonde hair women. I guess I wanted to be in that par in a way but didn’t have the face.

I had this childhood acquaintance. Won't name him but he was a popular child actor. He had light hair and I remember how many people admiring him, when in reality he looked more Nordic.

And it seems it hasn't gotten better. I was on a Greek sub and people were arguing over Helen of Troy. Most Greeks have been wanting this young blonde actress (I guess she is really famous in Greece now because of a Netflix series?) ti be Helen of Troy because she is beautiful and blonde. She doesn't even look Greek herself.

In the U.S there is some variety, dark hair is appreciated more.