Barbie, giving voice to the cognitive dissonance required to be a woman since 2023.
Life can be hard in a “Man’s World”. But you just have to deal. Or do you?
Was Ken right that we’re not doing patriarchy well? If he is, is that a good or bad thing for equality? Greta Gerwig’s, Barbie movie has given us so much to talk about. Let us begin with a look at how the Barbie journey (for both the dolls and the viewers) intersects with the modern “Boss Babe” movement.
Patriarchy: a system of domination by which the wealthy, white, male ruling class has authority over everyone else.
What is the Boss Babe movement?
Building a community of women who empower each other to reach new heights.
The Boss Babe movement started as a way for women to support each other and build a community. The desire was to create a space where women could feel empowered and inspired to chase their dreams. The movement has grown rapidly in recent years, thanks in part to the rise of social media and the power of online communities. Women from all over the world have joined the Boss Babe movement, sharing their stories and supporting each other along the way. It has helped to break down barriers and stereotypes, and has given women the confidence and support they need ot pursue their passions and achieve their goals.
Why does this movement resonate, especially with young women?
Women are celebrating their achievements and inspiring future generations to do the same.
This movement resonates so much because it’s all about empowering women to be their own boss, chase their dreams, and reach their full potential. It’s inspiring to see so many women coming together to support each other in their careers and personal lives. The movement encourages women to take risks and pursue their passions, even in the face of adversity. It’s about breaking down barriers and stereotypes that hold women back from achieving their goals. Overall, the Boss Babe movement is a powerful force for change, challenging the status quo and potentially paving the way for a brighter future.
What are some pros and cons of this movement?
As with any ideological shift, we need to use our discernment and critical thinking skills to reflect on the advantages and disadvantages.
PROS OF THE BOSS BABE MOVEMENT:
Empowering women to be their own boss and reach their full potential
Breaking down barriers and stereotypes that hold women back from their goals
Building a community of women who empower each other
Providing women with the tools and resources to succeed in their careers
Encouraging women to take risks and pursue their passions
Celebrating the achievement of women and providing strong role-modelling
Creating a safe and supportive space for women to share their experiences and ideas
Fostering a culture of collaboration and mentorship among women
Encouraging women to embrace their unique strengths and talents
Challenging the status quo and paving the way for more inclusivity and equality
CONS AND CRITICISMS:
Some women may feel pressure to conform to a certain standard or definition of success
The movement puts too much emphasis on individual success and can create a competitive environment
It can be difficult to balance work and personal life when striving for success
The movement may not be inclusive of women from all backgrounds and experiences
Some may feel that the movement is too focused on career success and not enough on other aspects of life
There is a risk of burnout when striving for success
It may perpetuate the idea that women need to “do it all” and be perfect in every aspect of their lives
It may not address systemic issues that hold women back in their careers
The movement may not be accessible to women who don’t have the same resources and opportunities
There is a risk of the movement becoming too focused on self-promotion rather than supporting others
Getting back to Barbie, what makes this film so impactful?
Barbie is a beloved icon that has inspired generations of young girls to follow their dreams and be their best selves.
Many audience members have shared that the Barbie movie wasn’t completely what they expected. Instead of being the comedic and silly film they anticipated, it struck deep chords with many audience members who felt that it validated their feelings and experiences. While being fun and engaging, the movie helped echo and amplify the trials and hardships that women have been struggling with, often unheard, for quite some time.
Key takeaways and lessons from both the movie and the movement
You don’t have to sacrifice being a woman to succeed.
Just because we see more men do it, doesn’t mean we have to copy what they do. We are all allowed to define success differently and have different paths. Barbie embraces many different professions and does it in pink, in touch with her femininity. You can be hard working and persevere in heels or flats, skirts or pants. You have your own skills and power and way of thinking that is needed in this world. You don’t need to fit into the mold to succeed. Find what aligns with you and work with your strengths.
Give voice to your doubts.
No, you’re not imagining inequities - companies really do have disproportionately more men than women in upper management. There is pressure for you to make money but not talk about how much you make. You are made to feel bad for abandoning your kids if you are a career woman and not being ambitious enough if you are a mom. It’s okay to talk about the struggle. Sharing and putting these emotions and thoughts into words helps to bridge the gap between what you are experiencing and what you think “should be happening” (aka the cognitive dissonance). Just because we are told the world is fair does not mean it is.
Women don’t need to tear other women down.
We are all beautiful and all on different paths. It’s society that has made up judgment and made us think we need to compete with each other. Instead of fighting to tear each other down and seeing other people as rivals, why not break the cycle of female rivalry so we can create more space for everyone? This false belief in scarcity will only thrive if we feed into it. As yourself: Do you criticize women for small mistakes you forgive men for? Do you compete with your female coworkers or friends when in a group? Have you made judgments based on someone’s gender? Noticing your own biases is the first step to breaking down the internalized sexism and unconscious messaging.
Use what resonates with you.
#GirlBoss and #BossBabe are empowering movements but they don’t resonate with everyone. Just like Barbie, for some, they will see her as a symbol of how women can do anything, while others will still see her as an unrealistic beauty standard. Take away what works for you!
You are “Kenough”.
You are enough exactly as you are. You are worthy of love even if you have failed before, have made mistakes, and don’t feel you’re worthy.
Has the Barbie movie brought up some uncomfortable and/or distressing feelings for you?
Take a moment to check in with yourself and remember that support is available.
It’s completely normal to have different reactions to media, and it’s essential to prioritize our mental well-being. Engaging in self-care activities, such as practicing mindfulness or talking about our feelings with trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals can also be helpful. Remember, everyone’s experiences are valid, and it’s important to take care of our emotional health.
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