“Barbie” and the female gaze
Among the many, many iconic dolls that have been designed and manufactured in the world, none has sparked as much controversy, celebration, and transformation as Barbie. Beyond her plastic perfection and fashionable attire lies a character who has, over the years, become more than just a toy — she’s become a symbol.
Barbie, often dismissed as a mere embodiment of unattainable beauty standards, has evolved into a powerful cultural touchstone that intersects with the dynamic realm of feminism. From challenging conventional gender roles to championing diversity and empowerment, Barbie has journeyed from playroom shelves to the heart of feminist discourse, embodying the complexities of the movement in ways that are both thought-provoking and, at times, delightfully unexpected.
This dynamic evolution of Barbie finds its cinematic culmination in the 2023 movie by Greta Gerwig — aptly titled “Barbie”. This film serves as a rallying cry for feminism, taking the iconic doll from her origins as a toy to a multidimensional character who navigates a world teetering between matriarchy and patriarchy. As the movie’s narrative unfolds, it artfully weaves themes of empowerment, gender equality, and self-discovery into a tapestry that resonates with both her storied past and the ever-evolving feminist movement.
In this interpretation, Barbie isn’t just a reflection of society’s shifting ideals — she becomes a catalyst for dialogue, a mirror reflecting the trials and triumphs that parallel our very own journey towards gender equality.
In “Barbie,” we are transported to the vibrant and imaginative world of Barbieland, where dolls of various types live in a matriarchal society. The film presents a society in which Barbie dolls hold prestigious positions such as doctors, lawyers, and politicians, while Ken dolls are content playing at the beach, considering it their profession. As the narrative unfolds, Ken’s discovery of the privileges that come with embracing a patriarchal system serves as a stark reminder of how easily power dynamics can shift. This mirrors the real-life threat of regressive policies and attitudes that can strip away the hard-fought progress women have made in their pursuit of equality.
The movie acts as a poignant mirror, reflecting the multifaceted experiences of women in our very own world. As Barbie navigates an existential crisis and faces changes in her appearance, the story magnifies the effects of patriarchal expectations and societal pressure. These changes disrupt her usual routines and lead to her questioning mortality, mirroring the real-world pressures women often face to meet unrealistic beauty standards.
Furthermore, the film’s portrayal of the Barbies liberating from submissive roles and challenging the status quo is a powerful allegory for the ongoing movements for gender equality and empowerment. This struggle to liberate themselves resonates with the real-life endeavors of women who have fought against the limitations imposed by traditional gender roles. The Barbies’ collective journey from submission to empowerment reflects the ongoing global movement to dismantle gender-based inequalities.
In crafting the movie “Barbie”, the creators have crafted a remarkable tapestry that interweaves the struggles, triumphs, and aspirations of women with a keen understanding of the real world. Through a lens that magnifies the impact of patriarchy and challenges societal norms, this film echoes the voices of countless women who navigate the complexities of identity, appearance, and autonomy. In the midst of this colorful and captivating story, “Barbie” emerges as a mirror that reflects the universal truth: that dismantling patriarchal structures is not only a cinematic narrative but an ongoing journey that mirrors the aspirations of women everywhere.
