The Hidden Messages in the Barbie Movie: Critical Gender Issues We Can't Ignore
In a satirical attempt, we’ll “try” to ignore the key lessons the 2023 movie 'Barbie' raises — knowing full well they are inescapable
In 2023, the world was swept off its feet by the cinematic juggernaut that was Barbie. What many anticipated as a light-hearted romp about a fashion doll turned into a surprisingly introspective film about patriarchy, identity, governance, and gender dynamics. Directed by Greta Gerwig, Barbie transcends its commercial origins, becoming a cultural conversation starter. The movie's depth is layered beneath its pink gloss, and the issues it tackles are as relevant as ever.
Her choice reflects a deeper feminist message: true empowerment comes not from meeting external expectations but from defining one’s own path.
Yet, in a satirical attempt, we’ll “try” to ignore the key lessons Barbie raises — knowing full well they are inescapable.
Barbie Land: The Patriarchal Utopia in Reverse
"Barbie Land" is an idyllic matriarchy where "Barbies" rule everything, from the Supreme Court to the beach. The opening sequence presents a utopia where the women are confident, successful, and, as far as they know, the source of all global inspiration. The Kens, on the other hand, are relegated to a mere accessory role, performing shallow tasks to affirm their self-worth.
This role reversal is the movie's first major challenge to patriarchal norms. By inverting societal gender roles, the film exposes the absurdity of patriarchy. The Kens, reduced to a single-dimensional existence, showcase what centuries of women have experienced in patriarchal societies. When Ken (played by Ryan Gosling) visits the "Real World" and discovers patriarchy, the simplicity with which he adopts its ideals illustrates how arbitrary these power dynamics are.
Ken's Patriarchy: A Childish Reflection of Male Dominance
Ken's simplistic view of patriarchy — horses, trucks, and “beach” dominance — is as ridiculous as it is insightful. He introduces patriarchy to Barbie Land with the excitement of a child discovering a new toy, building an empire rooted in his shallow understanding of masculinity. This highlights how many patriarchal ideals are constructed; not from inherent truths but from generations of unchecked assumptions and conditioning.
Ken's takeover is not malicious, but rather an attempt to find his identity. His inability to exist outside of his relationship with Barbie mirrors how women, for so long, were expected to define themselves by their relationships with men. His confusion, vulnerability, and ultimate crisis of identity challenge the toxic ideal of what men are supposed to be, offering commentary on male fragility in a system designed for their supremacy.
David Mania
Barbie’s Identity Crisis: What Happens When Perfection Isn’t Enough?
Margot Robbie’s Barbie begins the film as a symbol of perfection, embodying the impossible standards women have faced for decades. She’s beautiful, successful, and endlessly admired in her world — until the cracks start to show. When Barbie begins to experience existential doubts and physical imperfections (cue the "flat feet"), she embarks on a journey to discover what it means to be truly human.
This existential crisis symbolizes the struggle many women face when they’re expected to be perfect in every aspect of their lives — professional, personal, physical, and emotional. Barbie’s journey reflects the feminist movement’s evolution, from demanding access to professional spaces to challenging the unrealistic expectations placed on women in those spaces.
Barbie and Stereotypes: A Lesson in Self-Realization
Throughout her journey, Barbie encounters many different versions of herself, from the “weird” Barbie (played hilariously by Kate McKinnon) to Doctor Barbie, Lawyer Barbie, and President Barbie. The diversity of "Barbies" emphasizes the multifaceted nature of womanhood. Yet, each version is still confined to a stereotype or a role.
The fact that Stereotypical Barbie starts to break down and question her identity suggests that even the roles intended to empower women can be limiting. The film begs the question: Can women truly be free if they are constantly trying to live up to an ideal?
Women's Empowerment: Beyond Symbolism
While Barbie makes excellent use of satire to critique patriarchy, it also delves into the notion of women’s empowerment in ways that go beyond surface-level girl power. For instance, Barbie Land’s governance structure, entirely dominated by the Barbies, is a tongue-in-cheek reversal of the real world. The initial scenes show the Barbies effortlessly running every important institution, from government to media, which on the surface appears to reflect the feminist dream.
However, the movie points out that a simple role reversal isn’t true empowerment. When Ken’s patriarchal system takes over, the Barbies lose their agency, falling into subservient roles without resistance. This reflects how, in the real world, women have been conditioned to accept patriarchal structures. The ease with which Barbie Land falls into patriarchy serves as a critique of how deeply internalized gender norms can be.
Gloria’s Speech: The Heart of Women’s Struggles
One of the most powerful moments in Barbie comes when Gloria (played by America Ferrera), a human character who works at Mattel, is deeply disillusioned by the expectations placed on women. Gloria’s heartfelt monologue articulates the frustration of living in a world that demands perfection while punishing women for trying to meet those standards.
She delivers a searing monologue that articulates the impossible standards placed on women in society:
"It is literally 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 doing 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 have money, but you can’t ask for money because that’s crass. 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."
