Doll to Icon: Barbie's Feminist Evolution

The Barbie movie is not just a hit — it's a groundbreaking feminist milestone. Garnering $162 million on its opening weekend, it set a new record for a female-directed film, a clear indication of progress in the entertainment industry. The film, championing the message "Because Barbie can be anything, women can be anything," encourages viewers to challenge societal norms and celebrate their individuality.

This article explores how the Barbie movie transforms into a robust feminist commentary, actively promoting diversity and inclusion.

Barbie’s debut and early impact on children's play

In 1959, a revolutionary figurine named Barbie made her debut, significantly transforming the nature of children's playtime worldwide. Before Barbie, dolls primarily resembled babies, thereby limiting children to role-play scenarios centered around motherhood. However, Barbie, designed to mirror a teen or adult woman with an array of aspirational careers, offered a new spectrum of narratives.

Despite Barbie's progressive role, it is important to note the concerns raised over the unrealistic body image she presented, contributing to a complex discussion about her impact. Regardless, her arrival was in tandem with the advent of second-wave feminism and the concurrent surge in professional and political advancements for women in America, making her an iconic symbol of this transformative era.

Greta Gerwig's Barbie: An unapologetic feminist utopia

Leap to 2023, and the Barbie movie by Greta Gerwig has become a trailblazing film that breathes new life into the iconic toy, embracing a strong feminist message. The story unfolds in the vibrant "Barbieland," where Barbie stands her ground with the motto, "Barbie is a doctor, a lawyer, and so much more." This world is full of dream houses and pink cars, and it's run by powerful women, from Barbie as the President to an all-female Supreme Court.

Here, women are not held back by stereotypes. Womanhood is a source of power and respect. Gerwig's Barbie movie proudly promotes its feminist mission, turning the traditional gender-specific Barbie world into a celebration of women's power, highlighting what women are truly capable of.

Barbie takes a step into the real world

When Barbie leaves the empowering "Barbieland" and steps into the "Real World," she's faced with a world dominated by men. The society she meets is governed by men, showing how the scales are tipped against women. This is evident when she is hassled by men on Venice Beach's boardwalk and finds out Mattel, her maker, doesn't have a female CEO, like she thought.

Unlike "Barbieland," where women lead, the "Real World" shows a different, harsher side. Here, Barbie is challenged by male dominance, which shakes up her understanding and beliefs. Despite the tough experiences, Barbie doesn't sit back; instead, she chooses to learn and fight against the oppressive norms. The movie becomes a strong critique of patriarchal structures and the challenges women face because of them.

Barbie's growth and acceptance of humanity

As the movie progresses, Barbie goes through a significant change, growing from her toy-like origins to understanding human struggles. Faced with the harsh realities of the "Real World," Barbie's story becomes one of endurance and adaptability. She doesn't just experience the world; she evolves, learns, and grows amidst societal difficulties. As she faces inequalities and societal expectations, Barbie starts to acknowledge her humanity.

The movie depicts her journey from a perfect doll character to a symbol of human strength and transformation, sparking discussions about gender roles and equality. Her growth is a strong critique of societal norms and leads her towards self-realization.

Barbie's fight against stereotypes

As the movie unfolds, Barbie comes up against the long-standing stereotypes that have shaped her image. Her journey takes her from "Barbieland" to the real world, where her perfect image is questioned and re-evaluated. Barbie grapples with societal expectations about her looks and her role, defiantly challenging the limited definitions of femininity.

The fight is a personal one, but it also mirrors a broader societal issue — the ongoing struggle against strict gender norms and unrealistic beauty standards. Her journey tells an inspiring story of resistance, challenging stereotypes, and transformative growth.

What are Barbie's values?

In the film, Barbie exemplifies values such as resilience, individuality, and empowerment. She champions the right to imagine and be anything, embodying a spirit of limitless potential. Her refusal to conform to societal expectations reaffirms her commitment to autonomy and self-realization. Barbie's journey, imbued with a strong sense of equality and resistance against oppressive norms, underscores the value of promoting diversity and inclusivity, promoting a powerful narrative of feminist values.

Ken's role in the feminist journey

In the movie, Ryan Gosling plays Ken, a character who is emotionally dependent on Barbie. After being injured at the beach, he visibly brightens when praised by the Barbies. His relationship with Barbie is summed up by the quote below.

This perfectly sums up his emotional journey as he joins Barbie in the real world, coming to grips with the idea of male dominance. Even though he transforms Barbieland into his own "Ken-dom," he can't shake his longing for Barbie's attention. While the movie is all about "Barbie," Ken surprisingly becomes the emotional heart of the film. Gosling's performance delicately brings to light the difficulties men face in societal structures, making a powerful contribution to the film's feminist conversation.

Barbie breaking barriers and shaping discourse

"Barbie" is not just a great story — it's a cultural game-changer. It made an impressive $162 million in its opening weekend, breaking the record for the most money made on the opening weekend by a film directed by a woman. This is evidence of Barbie's huge cultural impact and her role in smashing barriers. This historic win proves just how far women have come in the entertainment industry. This feminist journey reaches beyond the movie screen, inspiring viewers and shaping conversations about women's roles and their representation in society.

The shortcomings of Barbie's feminist narrative

Potential criticisms of the movie might include:

• Body image controversy. Detractors may point out that, although the Barbie character has notably evolved in the film, the central figure is still predominantly characterized by her traditional appearance as a slim, blonde, white woman. This may fail to fully reflect the breadth of diversity and inclusivity that contemporary audiences anticipate and desire in today's cinematic landscape.
• Societal portrayal. Some may argue that while the film has made commendable strides toward championing gender equality, it might not sufficiently address other forms of societal discrimination. For example, it may not adequately represent racial, cultural, or socio-economic diversity, or inclusivity in terms of sexual orientation or ability.
• Consumerism. Barbie is, at its core, a product. This could lead to accusations that the film serves as a lengthy advertisement, promoting materialistic values.
• Complexity of themes. Given Barbie's traditional target audience (children), the movie's exploration of complex themes like feminism and patriarchy might be seen as too mature or nuanced.
• Perpetual optimism. Barbie's continuous cheerfulness may come across as unrealistic to some viewers, possibly compromising the movie's overall emotional authenticity and the audience's ability to establish a more profound connection with the character.

The Barbie movie masterfully intertwines a compelling narrative with pressing societal issues like gender equality. As the narrator states:

"All problems of feminism and equal rights have been solved"

Helen Mirren

The film signals the strides made while acknowledging the journey ahead. It stands as a cultural milestone inspiring change and promising a future where equality is not just a dream but a reality.