Patriarchy is no longer a problem that the mainstream media hasn’t thoroughly talked about. While there have been multiple movies, TV shows, books, and plays that have skillfully addressed the problem of gender inequality, the recently released Greta Gerwig film ‘Barbie‘ stood out for the tremendous response it received.
It was an instant blockbuster with Margot Robbie playing the main character of a Barbie doll, and Ryan Gosling posing as her Ken — a rather overlooked character in the ‘Barbie’ universe. Though the film is largely looked at as a “feminist” masterpiece, the lines around what it has tried to convey are blurred among the viewers. Many have taken it as an excellent piece of satire, while some others have pointed out the prominent loopholes in it — especially because it is made by a privileged, white woman, Greta Gerwig.
Related: ‘Barbie’ Oscar Snub Is A Stark Reminder Of Margot Robbie And Greta Gerwig Film’s Ironical Message
What Has ‘Barbie’ Done Differently Than Other Feminist Films?
Marvel superheroes have long dominated the cinematic world with the brand name they have cultivated over the years with what are considered masterpieces of filmmaking. And therefore, a director like Greta Gerwig — who essentially carries the “feminist director” vibe with films like ‘Little Women’ and ‘Lady Bird‘ — making a blockbuster like ‘Barbie‘ is being deemed an exceptional achievement. And it is also clearly reflecting on the movie’s image as a feminist piece of filmmaking.
The film delves into the iconic Mattel doll’s journey through a feminist lens. It shows how in her own world, Barbie is devoid of any problems because of the upper hand her gender carries there. The film is also made quite inclusive with Barbies of all sizes, shapes, colors, and sexualities featured in it. The Kens in her world, on the other hand, are aimless beings trying to win Barbie’s attention. Gerwig has thus essentially reversed conventional gender roles in the Barbie world.
Further, as the story unfolds, Barbie finds herself in the real world and realizes how she is reduced to her looks and desirability. As opposed to Barbie’s experiences, Ken finds it liberating to be in the real world where men are the powerful ones and govern the world. The contrast between the real world and Barbie’s world is starkly visible in the film, and Gerwig has seemingly done a great job with it.
However, that is by far the most feminist ‘Barbie‘ can get. It is not the first film that has acknowledged gender disparities in the world, and neither would it be the last to have done so. So the next question that arises then is: Is ‘Barbie‘ worth all the hype? And that is where the “white feminism” controversy comes in.
In case you missed it: “Barbie Is In Grief”: Internet Claims Margot Robbie Donned Anti-Pink Gown At Oscars To Protest Against Best Actress Snub
What Is ‘White Feminism’ And Why Is It Relevant In ‘Barbie’?
Feminism is a complex and highly misunderstood concept even among the most educated societies — thanks to globalization and immense dependency on social media for information consumption. While many are devoid of the basic understanding that feminism essentially means equality in its strict sense, the layers that come along with the concept are often conveniently overlooked. Many fail to see the sociopolitical aspects that inevitably come into the picture when equality is being discussed.
White Feminism — a sub-category Intersectional Feminism — takes into consideration the problems that a woman from a certain underprivileged background may face as against a privileged, white woman. Being a complex concept, ‘White Feminism’ takes a backseat in conventionally presented ideas of feminism in the mainstream media. ‘Barbie‘ is an example of the same.
Many have contended that though ‘Barbie‘ has elevated women and feminism to a certain degree, it only puts forth the struggles of a privileged woman in a patriarchal world. Margot Robbie takes the lead in the film as a beautiful, fit, smart, kind, and white doll. The struggles she faces may resonate with all women, but they are quite limiting.
A woman of color or underprivileged ethnicity may find it much more difficult to navigate through the world than the film’s lead does. Next come women from the LGBTQIA+ community, who do not fit into the binary genders that ‘Barbie‘ puts in the limelight. Though Barbie’s world has a transgender Barbie who is highly revered, she takes a backseat in the story narrative.
With these controversies rampant, many also point at Greta Gerwig as the creator of the film. Critics have contended that being a white woman of privilege herself, Greta Gerwig has conveniently ignored the layers of feminism that do not cater to her struggles.
Feminism In ‘Barbie’ May Just Be Satire. Or Not?
Another aspect that jeopardizes Barbie’s feminism is the tag of a “satirical” film. A viewer might find disparities between the idea of feminism and how it has been presented in the film, but then they would leave it as a satirical attempt that perhaps did not land well.
For example, in the film, Barbie’s world is in full harmony because it is governed entirely by women. This essentially suggests that women being in-charge would solve the world’s problems. It is true? We don’t know. Is it in line with the feminist ideology? Definitely not.
The semantics of feminism may point at women being the higher beings, but the term, in its true essence, means equality between both genders. ‘Barbie‘ does not suggest that, as it puts all the Kens in the inferior category. With such nuances in the film, the lines that are already blurred because of the complexities of “feminism”, get even more blurred.
‘Barbie‘ has thus sparked a vigorous debate about its feminist messaging and societal commentary. Some praise the film’s bold stance on gender dynamics, deeming it a landmark in feminist cinema. Others, however, question the nuances lying underneath. Whereas some others question the burden placed on a lighthearted comedy to address a complex social issue like gender inequality, arguing that such expectations are unrealistic.
You might also like to read:
