Can a doll really be a feminist icon? Critics say Barbie is sexist. But fans expect the new film will reboot the pink plastic toy to celebrate feminine power and diversity.
Barbie movie caused global shortage of pink
Can a doll really be a feminist icon? Critics say Barbie is sexist. But fans expect the new film will reboot the pink plastic toy to celebrate feminine power and diversity.
The blockbuster out next month will bring the world's favourite doll to life. So much pink paint has been used on set that there is now a global shortage, says director Greta GerwigAn American director and actor, nominated for Academy Awards..
The first Barbie doll was designed in 1959 by Ruth Handler, who named it after her daughter. The toy company Mattel has now sold over one billion worldwide.
Recently, social media has embraced Barbiecore, the bright pink, ultra-feminine look with a modern twist. The latest movie is set to ignite global Barbie mania.
But all this excitement re-opens an old debate: does this doll empowerGive someone power, or make someone feel strong and confident. or degrade women? Can Barbie be a feminist?
She always has been, say her biggest fans. Before Barbie, dolls taught children how to be mothers or dream of being a princess. Barbie was a blank canvas for a child to imagine anything.
As the film's tagline reads: "Barbie is everything and he's just Ken." Gerwig says "Ken was invented after Barbie" - it is a fantasy world where men are just an accessory.
But critics argue Barbie promotes unrealistic beauty standards and gender stereotypesStereotypes are ideas about how people will act, based on the group to which they belong.. Research found that a real-life Barbie would be underweight and unable to walk.1 Studies link Barbie with negative body image and eating disorders.2
Mattel responded with Barbies with different body types pursuing STEMScience, technology, engineering and maths. STEM is a term used to group these academic disciplines. careers. But designer Eleanor Smith writes that it is still "an insult to feminismCalling for women's rights with the aim of achieving gender equality. " - Barbie values external appearance over internal qualities. Teacher Kristina Murkett says future scientists need a "bug-collecting kit, not a Barbie".
Pink wasn't always feminine. A 1918 magazine recommends "delicate and dainty" blue for girls and a "stronger" pink for boys. In 1953, US First Lady Mamie Eisenhower wore a bejewelled pink ball gown. She began the craze for pink.
Fans say Barbie is more than a fashion icon. In the movie, the other Barbies are lawyers, doctors and diplomats. Mattel has brought out "Role Model" dolls, including artist Frida Kahlo and astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti.
And Ken is still "just Ken".
In the real world, we are at least 132 years away from achieving full gender equality.3 So can Barbie's pink convertible get us there any faster?
<h5 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper" id="question"><strong>Can a doll really be a feminist icon?</strong></h5>
Yes: Absolutely! The new movie boasts a diverse cast of Barbie characters thriving in traditionally male-dominated fields. Barbie represents the power of imagination and the freedom to follow your dreams.
No: This is a cynical marketing ploy to sell more plastic toys. Barbie dolls are about beauty, not equality or diversity. A really radical feminist Barbie movie would tell us to buy gender-neutral toys.
Or... It all depends on the audience. People can play with a toy in diverse ways and interpret a film differently. So while Barbie is sexist to some, she may empower others.
Greta Gerwig - An American director and actor, nominated for Academy Awards.
Empower - Give someone power, or make someone feel strong and confident.
Stereotypes - Stereotypes are ideas about how people will act, based on the group to which they belong.
STEM - Science, technology, engineering and maths. STEM is a term used to group these academic disciplines.
Feminism - Calling for women's rights with the aim of achieving gender equality.
Barbie movie caused global shortage of pink

Glossary
Greta Gerwig - An American director and actor, nominated for Academy Awards.
Empower - Give someone power, or make someone feel strong and confident.
Stereotypes - Stereotypes are ideas about how people will act, based on the group to which they belong.
STEM - Science, technology, engineering and maths. STEM is a term used to group these academic disciplines.
Feminism - Calling for women's rights with the aim of achieving gender equality.