Unpopular opinion: I didn't love the Barbie movie. In fact, I found it a little problematic.
Hey Ladies! Let's talk about the Barbie movie.
The last thing I want to do is take away the fun, but I believe it's important not to go mindlessly into the hype of a movie produced by Mattel, whose bottom line is to sell more Barbies.
So here's my unpopular opinion. My hope is that it makes you pause for just a moment to either agree or disagree with me.
Yes, valid points were made. I didn't disagree with any of the comments or speeches about the patriarchy. And there were several LOL moments—please, Ken, play your guitar at me for four hours.
Moreover, it felt like the same 'ol Barbie masquerading as a feminist while being a little problematic.
Despite all the "wokeness," the brand hasn't gotten away from the impossible beauty standards nicely packaged inside consumer culture's idealized perfection.
The one smart, funny, and wholly individualized Barbie who does not fit those beauty standards is cast off and literally named WEIRD!
All this is highlighted by the fact that Barbie's sole motivation for change is to avoid a little cellulite. 🙄
Just imagine, for a moment, what would have changed in the cultural dialog if Weird Barbie had lived in the city center and been honored for her wisdom and individuality?
Did anyone else notice that the angry tween started assimilating into Barbie's world with pink fit ‘n flare dress and curled hair? Wouldn't that have been a more exciting storyline if she teamed up with Weird Barbie and showed us examples of how the beauty myth had wounded her in puberty?
And why we are in imagination land, what could have been if the Barbies could have used a more feminine version of power––power within––instead of power over to "win" back the government? Or really, what would have changed if the Barbies and Kens had worked together to create an all-inclusive government? Isn't the goal of feminism and general social change to be inclusive? And if we are going to go with the masculine power version of power, why then distract the Kens? Why not Wonder Woman that shit?
That sounds like a far more interesting movie in my opinion.
Hit me up! Let me know what make you laugh, cry or cringe! Do you agree with me? Did I get it all wrong? Tell me all the things!
♡ Jaclyn
Jaclyn McCabe
Author