There is a Barbie in all of us

THIS is not a spoiler of director Greta Gerwig’s colossal “Barbie” movie, which is still showing in theaters, and which has grossed more than $200 million at the box office in its first five days in theaters in the US and heads for $500 million in global ticket sales (Forbes). Warner Bros. released this film that cost $145 million to make (excluding marketing expenses).

My girlie daughter initiated a family date, in her Barbie-inspired look and watched it for the second time. The last-full-show screening we attended was full. The audience was, surprisingly, only 65 percent female.

Mattel: An empire that Barbie built

It started in 1959, when Ruth Handler, co-founder of American toy company Mattel, got inspired by her daughter Barbara, who was playing paper dolls imagining adult roles. Her intention was to design a three-dimensional adult doll that would empower young girls to dream big and break traditional gender stereotypes. Barbie became an instant sensation and captured the hearts of children and collectors worldwide.

Mattel established a global business empire that transcended cultural boundaries and continues to earn a fan base in more than 150 countries and has sold billions of dolls.

But the feminist movement has criticized Barbie for the doll’s unrealistic beauty standards with a narrow concept of femininity and body image. There were concerns on its focus on fashion and appearance that may potentially impact on young girls’ self-esteem and aspirations. It has been challenged, like the beauty pageants, for not promoting more diverse and empowering representations of women.

With innovation that embraces diversity and inclusivity and to remain relevant to the times, Mattel introduced dolls of different ethnicities, body types and careers, promoting positive role models for children.

Co-creating equitable and inclusive world

“Barbie” the movie is a feminist manifesto wrapped in hot pink bubble gum. It is a timely stimulus to revisit feminism and women empowerment, which are related but they have distinct focuses and approaches.

Renowned feminist writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie defines feminist as a person who believes in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes. It is a philosophical and sociopolitical movement that seeks to achieve gender equality by challenging and dismantling patriarchal systems and ideologies and by addressing historical and ongoing discrimination against women. Feminists fight against gender stereotypes, violence against women, and other forms of gender-based oppression.

Women empowerment specifically focuses on enhancing the autonomy and self-determination of women. It seeks to challenge and break down barriers that prevent women from achieving their goals and aspirations by equipping them with the necessary tools and opportunities to realize their full potential. Michelle Obama highlights women empowerment in saying that when girls are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous.

Feminism is a broad movement that advocates for gender equality and challenges societal norms, and lays the groundwork for addressing systemic issues. Women empowerment is a more specific strategy that aims to enable and support women to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles and effect change in women’s lives.

The philosophy behind feminism and women empowerment seeks to foster solidarity among all genders, promoting collaboration rather than conflict towards a more equitable and inclusive world.

The real-life Barbies

The movie “Barbie” portrayed women characters beyond the stereotypical physically perfect lady, which Mattel actually used to infuse relevant essence into the doll’s infamous form.

If modeling is indeed achieved through the child’s play, it may be noteworthy to pay tribute to the real Barbies in human history who fearlessly championed gender equality, igniting change and inspiring generations.

Susan B. Anthony was a pioneering suffragist who played a pivotal role in securing women’s right to vote in the US. Emmeline Pankhurst, a British activist, led the suffragette movement, demanding political rights for women. Gloria Steinem, an American writer, journalist, and organizer, pushed for women’s reproductive rights and gender equality. Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani advocate, survived a brutal attack by the Taliban and became a global voice for girls’ education.

In the Philippines, Gabriela Silang was a Filipino revolutionary in the 18th century who fearlessly led an uprising against Spanish colonial rule and championed the rights of women to actively participate in the struggle for independence. Josefa Llanes Escoda, in the early 20th century, was a social worker and suffragist who played a crucial role in advocating for women’s right to vote, which was eventually granted in 1937. The country has had two women presidents, Corazon Aquino and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, along with women senators, Cabinet secretaries, Justices and leaders.

The efforts of these feminist leaders have contributed to significant milestones in the fight for women’s rights in the Philippines, where challenges persist, including gender-based violence, economic disparity, and limited access to education and health care for women.

Barbieworld and men-ruled real world

“We were fighting because we didn’t know who we were.”

This was a striking line in the movie after the “Kens” declared war against each other which resulted from the counter-strategy of the “Barbies” who knew men’s weakness — the ego. The movie dichotomized the world as the perfect Barbie-ruled Barbieworld and the men-ruled Real World. Chaos broke when the idealized Barbieworld was “invaded” by what Ken misconstrued as the men’s world. And here is where the realities of womanhood surfaced and became the spell that restored the empowerment of the Barbies.

Here are some of the lines that relay to society the predicament of that womanhood:

“It’s nearly impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful and so smart, and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough. Like, we have to always be extraordinary; but somehow, we’re always getting it wrong. You have to be thin, but not too thin. And you can never say you want to be thin. You have to say you want to be healthy, but also you have to be thin! You have to be a boss, but you can’t be mean. You have to lead, but you can’t squash other people’s ideas. You’re supposed to love being a mother, but don’t talk about your kids all the damn time. You have to be a career woman, but also always be looking out for other people.”

Here are some lines that amplify what women rant against men:

“You have to answer for men’s bad behavior which is insane; but if you point that out, you’re accused of complaining. You are supposed to stay pretty for men, but not so pretty that you tempt them too much or that you threaten other women because you’re supposed to be part of the sisterhood, but always stand out and always be grateful.”

It concluded by saying: “I’m just so tired from watching myself, and every single other woman, tie herself into knots so that people will like us.”

The philosophy behind feminism encompasses a diverse range of theories and perspectives, united by the shared goal of dismantling patriarchal structures and promoting gender equity, which Barbie resonated with in the movie. As we embrace the philosophy of feminism and strive for women’s empowerment, we take crucial steps toward creating a society where everyone can thrive and contribute their fullest potential, regardless of gender.

“Barbie” narrates a captivating story of self-discovery and empowerment, not only of women but all of us, regardless of gender. And for all it takes, there is a Barbie in all of us.