Christine Marie

In a world that has both long celebrated and criticized Barbie, the iconic doll finally gets a chance to tell her story on the big screen in a movie made for women, by women. With a narrative centered around a toy designed for girls, the Barbie movie takes a refreshing and often humorous approach to the challenges of gender norms, delivering a powerful message of self-discovery, for both men and women.

Let me start by saying I understand why this movie is ruffling feathers. Make no mistake, there is not an ounce of subtlety at the fire thrown at patriarchy, male-dominated fields (specifically in areas that directly impact women’s lives), and the crushing expectations society places on women – but taken for what it’s worth, a movie about a beloved doll,  and an accessory named Ken, the arc of both Barbie and Ken is exactly what you would expect – small but profound as they discover who they are outside of their perfect world of plastic.

The movie’s portrayal of Barbie as a symbol of what women have fought for is undeniable. Throughout history, women have been striving for equality and recognition in fields traditionally dominated by men, including science, business, and politics. Barbie’s diverse array of careers has always strived to teach young girls that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Yet, unsurprisingly, some reviews accuse the movie of being “anti-men” or pushing a “radical female agenda”. It’s essential to recognize that the film is centered on Barbie’s world, where Ken has always been a secondary character. The movie’s portrayal of Ken doesn’t imply a blanket judgment of all men but rather underscores the longstanding portrayal of Ken as an accessory to Barbie’s world. With this in mind, I urge you dear reader, to take the movie on its face; a story about plastic dolls as they navigate to understand who they are in the world around them.

The portrayal of Ken as superfluous and unfit to lead is mirrored by the equally unrealistic and exaggerated portrayal of all Barbie’s as “perfect”. Those upset about the shallow male characters are forgetting the roots of this story – Ken, has always been an add-on for Barbie. Never did Ken have his own dream house or plastic-clad perfect world. Barbie’s world functions independently of Ken – the true definition of superfluous, just as the movie portrays him. Little girls everywhere weren’t hoping for Ken under their Christmas trees, it was Barbie and her pink camper van that make up our cherished childhood memories. Sorry Ken.

Although the movie doesn’t shy away from challenging societal norms and patriarchal constructs, it maintains a light-hearted and comedic tone throughout. While the film acknowledges the challenges women face, it refrains from having Barbie herself deliver a direct speech on these issues, leaving that task to America Ferrera’s character, who finds herself in Barbie’s world where she proceeds to deliver a 2-minute, often too close to home soliloquy about the challenges of being a woman in today’s world.

While critiquing gender inequality, the film celebrates the essence of Barbie and her empowering message for girls. It emphasizes that despite living in a world that imposes unrealistic expectations and stereotypes (this goes for men too), discovering one’s true self is an essential step toward empowerment and fulfillment. The film’s portrayal of both Barbie and Ken as imperfect characters navigating their plastic paradise serves as a profound metaphor for everyone’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

At its core, the Barbie movie is not just about a plastic doll or a superficial happily-ever-after romance. It stands as a symbolic representation of the struggle and triumph of women in their pursuit of equality and self-discovery. It encourages viewers, both male and female, to embrace their identity and work towards their dreams, regardless of society’s pressures. This refreshing perspective encourages us all to introspect and question the roles and expectations society places on us.

So, as you enter the theater to watch the Barbie movie, embrace the message it conveys while remembering where it came from. Celebrate the idea that Barbie has always been more than just a doll for young girls everywhere; she is an emblem of strength, ambition, and empowerment. Through this lighthearted romp about a couple dolls on a journey of self-discovery, Barbie encourages us all to explore our true selves and break free from the constraints that limit our potential. Let us applaud the movie’s refreshing take on gender norms and cherish the profound lessons it imparts – after all, it’s about more than just pink plastic.