Perception of Chess

This is very serious topic!  As we all know, chess does not have the best of images among the lay folks of North America.  I distinctly taunting chess club goers as 'nerd boys' back in my younger days.  

Chess is a beautiful game, but one of the big reasons for it's lack of popularity and poor image has nothing to do with the game at all BUT the players who tend to excell at it.  Too many arrogant nerd boys with autistic tendencies excel at this game which gives a very bad image for chess among the general public. 

We need  charismatic grandmasters and world champions who can give good image for chess.  In addition, it would not hurt at all if a sexy woman would become face of chess, preferably one who can also play the game well.