Arts and Entertainment

Controversial Plastic Dolls

A critical, cultural analysis of Barbie (2023).

Julia Garcia, Editor • October 19, 2023

Ryan Gosling, Margot Robbie, and Barbie director Greta Gerwig. (Jaap Buitendijk)

The Barbie movie is everywhere.

Even if (scandalously) you still haven’t seen it yet, you’d have found it next to impossible to escape the endless advertisements, brand collaborations, pink outfit inspiration, interviews and red carpets dominating every algorithm and news feed. From Billie Eilish’s hit new single “What Was I Made For?” to the song we all know and love, “I’m Just Ken,” Barbie has easily become one of the biggest movies of 2023 alongside Oppenheimer and Super Mario Bros, grossing over $626 million dollars in the box office. Unfortunately for Greta Gerwig, the director of Barbie, the hype doesn’t come without the haters.

The world of entertainment has always been a breeding ground for controversy, and the release of Barbie is no exception. Since the announcement of the film, it has been met with both excitement and criticism alike, with some fans arguing that the movie is too “anti-men,” while others are saying it’s a modern masterpiece of feminist empowerment.

The Hype

On the one hand, Barbie has received an incredible amount of first-reaction praise from critics and fans alike, averaging an impressive 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s been described as a “dazzling new instant classic” and “unlike anything you’ve ever seen before”. If you thought that the movie was a masterpiece, you’d find plenty of people who agree.

For those who feared that the film might perpetuate discouraging ideals about body image, they were pleasantly surprised. The film quickly addresses that Barbie was never meant to be a role model for how women are supposed to look, but rather a representation of everything a woman can be. A reminder to young girls that every woman can aspire to be whatever she chooses—the president, an astronaut, a chef, or anything in between. Barbie empowers girls to dream without constraints, supporting the belief that there are no limits to what they can achieve.

The Haters

On the flip side, there are numerous fans who feel that both Barbie and the movie’s storyline are too feminine-eccentric, painting a picture of a world where men are portrayed negatively or sidelined. Some critics go as far as to suggest that the Barbie movie overindulged in promoting feminism while potentially alienating male audiences. That the film should use its platform to challenge these standards and stereotypes rather than perpetuate them. They stress the importance of striking a balance that empowers women without disregarding or undermining the significance of men. One woman, for instance, criticized the movie for trying to “normalize the idea that men and women can’t collaborate positively”.

Greta Gerwig quickly responded to these accusations by saying that the movie serves as “an invitation for everyone to be part of the party”, emphasizing that its intent was to unite people in a positive way, regardless of gender, rather than perpetuating hurtful stereotypes. According to her, Barbie is not about emphasizing differences but celebrating togetherness in a way that transcends gender boundaries. By encouraging both men and women to let go of their stereotypes (the patriarchy and body image), the film seeks to foster a more inclusive society that can exist without being confined by preconceived notions of what it means to be a man or a woman.

Conclusion

In the end, while the film has more than enough potential to entertain, excite, and inspire, it also raises important questions about body image, gender roles, cultural sensitivity, and the messages we send to our children. But more than anything, Barbie is a laugh-out-loud kind of movie. Whether you love it or you hate it, there’s no question that Barbie has left its mark on the world of cinema, and it’s pink colored legacy will continue to redefine the way we look at society today. So if there is one takeaway from this article, let it be this:

You are Kenough 💗

Sources

About the Contributor

Julia Garcia, Editor

Julia Garcia, a 10th-grade day student from Austin, has always held a deep love for the written word, finding solace and inspiration in the pages of books and the art of storytelling. Whether it's crafting lines of poetry or meticulously honing her writing skills, writing has always held a special place in her heart. Her mind is always brimming with ideas and perspectives, most of which keep her awake until 3am, and she’s excited to be a part of The Bell, as it gives her the opportunity to explore her love of creative and analytical writing.