I have yet to see Barbie but am inspired by your insights… I, too, grew up in the late 60’s and 70’s. I wish I could report that I was as cognizant of what was happening around me. I blissfully rode my bike, played with my Breyer horses (no Barbies), and never questioned the adults in my life who told me I could grow up to do absolutely anything. Thanks for resurfacing those memories, Sara. I simply love your writing.
Oh, thank you Kristyn! Oh, I had the horses too! My favorite toy was actually a cowgirl doll named Jane West, but I also had Malibu Barbie and Skipper in their Country Camper!
I liked the "Barbie" movie. Truth is, I played with dolls when I was a kid. I have two older sisters and three female cousins around my age, so, there were plenty of dolls around and I don't remember ever hesitating to play with them.
Though the far-right is pretty much obligated to have a sh#t fit over the "Barbie" movie, I can't quite see the point. I don't see myself in any of the men depicted in Greta Gertwig's film - not the Kens, Alan or the empty suits in the real world. The "Barbie" movie is not anti-male so much as anti-dork male. So, if you're not a dork, you shouldn't be offended. But, who am I kidding, the far-right base wants their red meat and their favourite tv personalties and podcasters are only too happy to toss them some.
Besides, I think what Greta and co-writer and hubby Noah Baumbach are getting at, in "Barbie", is a message as positive for men as it is for women.
I only know that despite being a born cynic, the movie hit me very unexpectedly. Never did I expect to find myself attempting to stifle an audible sob at the Barbie movie.
You do such a beautiful job communicating with your younger self, and bringing to life the wide eyed way we viewed the world from a perspective that gets more informed but remains the same - filled with wonder and critical analysis, trying to make sense out of people who seem to hate progress. I feel like we’re going to be doing that FOREVER.
Wonderful article Sara! I love the wholistic picture you paint about all the issues that Barbie seeks to address and kind of redeem us from. I saw the movie and loved it- it’s a great movie! But I’ve felt a diffuse sadness about it for months now with the endless pink and promo everywhere without more criticism or even hesitance. It’s lonely. Barbie was inspired by a doll for men that was given out as bachelor parties. The creator Ruth wasn’t a really unproblematic in that she named this sexualized doll after her teen daughter. I totally get the argument that this movie flips all this on his head and even might help women who aren’t super into gender criticism but feel alone in the difficulty in being a woman... but I guess I see it both ways. It’s using a generally palatable figure of a woman who’s not threatening to men, who’s made a lot of us feel bad, and kind of making her a feminist figure. It’s also a consumerist take, an attempt to make Barbies relevant for a whole new generation of girls. Is that... good? Again I liked the movie and may very well be a net positive! But I feel really alone in not seeing a whole lot of criticism about it (maybe I’m not looking hard enough, I’ve admittedly burned out on Barbie content). Anyway I hope I’m not alone in my inner conflict about it lol
Thanks, Dawn. And yes, I agree it's all very complicated. What I mostly took away was that she had to thread a very fine needle, and I was kind of shocked that she pulled it off.
🙌🏻🙌🏻 Studio apartment, job in media! MTM Show was the dream. The new doc about her on Max is a really great watch btw. They had actual female writers on that show! They are legends.
Hi Sara, I just saw the Barbie movie this weekend with my daughter. It was interesting to see how little girls were portrayed smashing their baby dolls. I had those types of dolls as a child. I may be in the minority here and that's ok. I think it's great that women have a lot more opportunities and choices for education and careers. If I could change the past, I would choose one or the other, but not both. I would never be a single or married parent and have a full time job outside my home. I know many that have gracefully and successfully accomplished both roles simultaneously and bravo to you. Again, if I could change the past, I'm either Barbie the judge, or Barbie that loves and marries Ken. But not both.
Great post, Sara. Hopefully the huge crowds mean the dream is still alive or maybe it will be significantly rekindled.
thank you, Rebecca! and, yes, here's hoping.
I have yet to see Barbie but am inspired by your insights… I, too, grew up in the late 60’s and 70’s. I wish I could report that I was as cognizant of what was happening around me. I blissfully rode my bike, played with my Breyer horses (no Barbies), and never questioned the adults in my life who told me I could grow up to do absolutely anything. Thanks for resurfacing those memories, Sara. I simply love your writing.
Oh, thank you Kristyn! Oh, I had the horses too! My favorite toy was actually a cowgirl doll named Jane West, but I also had Malibu Barbie and Skipper in their Country Camper!
Country Camper? Lucky you!
We had a Jane West too!!
I liked the "Barbie" movie. Truth is, I played with dolls when I was a kid. I have two older sisters and three female cousins around my age, so, there were plenty of dolls around and I don't remember ever hesitating to play with them.
Though the far-right is pretty much obligated to have a sh#t fit over the "Barbie" movie, I can't quite see the point. I don't see myself in any of the men depicted in Greta Gertwig's film - not the Kens, Alan or the empty suits in the real world. The "Barbie" movie is not anti-male so much as anti-dork male. So, if you're not a dork, you shouldn't be offended. But, who am I kidding, the far-right base wants their red meat and their favourite tv personalties and podcasters are only too happy to toss them some.
Besides, I think what Greta and co-writer and hubby Noah Baumbach are getting at, in "Barbie", is a message as positive for men as it is for women.
Anyways, always a pleasure reading your posts.
Thanks, Dom! And yeah, I think it is ultimately about men and women treating each other with more kindness.
Absolutely beautiful, Sara. From top to bottom. Thank you. 💝
Oh, thank you, Sara!
I only know that despite being a born cynic, the movie hit me very unexpectedly. Never did I expect to find myself attempting to stifle an audible sob at the Barbie movie.
Yet I did.
Twice.
😬
You do such a beautiful job communicating with your younger self, and bringing to life the wide eyed way we viewed the world from a perspective that gets more informed but remains the same - filled with wonder and critical analysis, trying to make sense out of people who seem to hate progress. I feel like we’re going to be doing that FOREVER.
Oh, thank you Scout! "Trying to make sense of the people who seem to hate progress." I hadn't thought of it that way, but that's it!
Wonderful article Sara! I love the wholistic picture you paint about all the issues that Barbie seeks to address and kind of redeem us from. I saw the movie and loved it- it’s a great movie! But I’ve felt a diffuse sadness about it for months now with the endless pink and promo everywhere without more criticism or even hesitance. It’s lonely. Barbie was inspired by a doll for men that was given out as bachelor parties. The creator Ruth wasn’t a really unproblematic in that she named this sexualized doll after her teen daughter. I totally get the argument that this movie flips all this on his head and even might help women who aren’t super into gender criticism but feel alone in the difficulty in being a woman... but I guess I see it both ways. It’s using a generally palatable figure of a woman who’s not threatening to men, who’s made a lot of us feel bad, and kind of making her a feminist figure. It’s also a consumerist take, an attempt to make Barbies relevant for a whole new generation of girls. Is that... good? Again I liked the movie and may very well be a net positive! But I feel really alone in not seeing a whole lot of criticism about it (maybe I’m not looking hard enough, I’ve admittedly burned out on Barbie content). Anyway I hope I’m not alone in my inner conflict about it lol
Thanks, Dawn. And yes, I agree it's all very complicated. What I mostly took away was that she had to thread a very fine needle, and I was kind of shocked that she pulled it off.
**holistic 🙈
🙌🏻🙌🏻 Studio apartment, job in media! MTM Show was the dream. The new doc about her on Max is a really great watch btw. They had actual female writers on that show! They are legends.
Hi Sara, I just saw the Barbie movie this weekend with my daughter. It was interesting to see how little girls were portrayed smashing their baby dolls. I had those types of dolls as a child. I may be in the minority here and that's ok. I think it's great that women have a lot more opportunities and choices for education and careers. If I could change the past, I would choose one or the other, but not both. I would never be a single or married parent and have a full time job outside my home. I know many that have gracefully and successfully accomplished both roles simultaneously and bravo to you. Again, if I could change the past, I'm either Barbie the judge, or Barbie that loves and marries Ken. But not both.