Barbie; anti-men or not feminist enough?

Most of the discourse I have seen about the Barbie movie was right-wing outrage, I was expecting an extremely feminist "preachy" film, that was anti-man and 'woke'. However, this was not what I was met with. In fact, some critics are deeming it as surface-level feminism and lacking in revolutionary themes. However, upon closer examination, I realize that its simplicity was precisely what was needed in the current state of politics and society. In an era where women are grappling with fear and uncertainty, this feel-good, nostalgia-inducing film that unapologetically embraces femininity serves as a comforting refuge. Barbieland depicted a world where Kens coexisted with the Barbies without oppression or hatred; they were simply there, neither serving nor being served. This reversal of roles was thought-provoking, as it exposed the stark contrast when the Barbies were reduced to 'bimbos' serving Kens, playing into societal expectations. 

The film's portrayal of men as misguided rather than outright villains, even at their most antagonistic, was surprising. The executives at Mattel were portrayed as silly guys, and even during their patriarchy phase, the Kens were depicted as himbos. A significant part of the movie revolved around Ken's journey of self-discovery, Barbie spends the post-climatic scene comforting him! If there is any critique, it would be that it was too kind to men. But, to Gerwig's credit, it showed that women's ideal utopia is to be left alone to pursue their desires, while men's utopia revolves around having everyone do what the individual man wants.

Despite its seemingly surface-level approach, I found the Barbie movie resonated with me on a personal level. I appreciated its simplicity in celebrating girlhood and sisterhood, without needing to be a complex and revolutionary feminist think-piece. It's a refreshing take to see Barbie as more than just a means to serve social discourse but as an entity on her emotional journey within the film. This simplicity went beyond first-wave feminism, dissociating gender from societal norms. It challenged traditional roles and portrayed men as sensitive, insecure, and struggling with the need for affection and belonging. Ken states that he is in touch with his emotions but still falls for the illusions and false promises the real world and the patriarchy present him (feeling of being valued). The film also confronted women who comply with patriarchal norms, showing the Barbies in a trance-like state because they felt helpless against patriarchy, leading them to comply with it. 

The Barbie movie ultimately liberated both Barbie and Ken from the shackles of patriarchy. It encouraged them to discover their true selves outside the confines of societal expectations. The movie highlighted the exhausting nature of being a woman within society's skewed lens and the temptation to accept inferiority rather than fighting for equality. I understand why some men were offended by their portrayal in the film, as it exposed the underlying emotions behind toxic masculinity. By showing men as sensitive, flawed, and in need of affection, the movie undermined patriarchal power. It was ironic to see Piers Morgan's humorous comment about feminists wanting him executed if he made a movie treating women the way Barbies treated men. The truth is, female characters have often been relegated to side roles to enhance male characters, this is evidenced in Robbie's career; men loved her in Wolf of Wall Street and Suicide Squad. now, seeing men in such roles made some uncomfortable. Beyond all the critiques and discussions, the main takeaway from the Barbie movie is the profound connection shared among those who grew up as girls. Amidst societal pressures and expectations, we find moments of affection and camaraderie, reminding us that we all share unique and complex experiences as women. We joke about the drunk bathroom best friends but there is a reason for it. we all started hating ourselves, men started hating us and in turn, we started hating each other. but we still find these pockets of affection for each other, in the bathroom when we are drunk or sitting on a park bench because we are all just girls. our experiences and feelings are so unique and complex but also so shared. 

In conclusion, while the Barbie movie may have been criticized for its surface-level feminism and lack of revolutionary themes, its simple and empowering portrayal of gender dynamics offered a much-needed respite in troubled times. In an era where women are grappling with fear and uncertainty, this feel-good and nostalgia-inducing film reminds us to embrace femininity unapologetically and find strength in sisterhood. It challenges societal norms, celebrates individual journeys, and serves as a comforting reminder of the unique connections that unite us as women.