The Barbie Movie: An Edgework Special

I finally saw the Barbie movie (I was a few weeks behind), and I'll start by saying it absolutely lived up to the hype. What a timely coincidence that here at WISe we're focusing on "Edgework" this month and what it means to push past and challenge our limitations. The Barbie movie focuses on just that.

In a world that often feels full of roadblocks, "Barbie" serves as a hopeful tale that we can overcome our challenges, it tells an encouraging story of humans of all ages  breaking free from societal boundaries. It's overall a movie of triumph, but also a reminder of how far we still have to go.

Breaking the Mold: The Evolution of Barbie

Barbie, the iconic doll that has been a part of many childhoods, has evolved significantly over the years. From her inception in 1959, she has gone through numerous transformations to become more inclusive and representative of diverse backgrounds, body types, and ambitions. The Barbie movie takes this evolution to the next level by not only embracing a wider range of characters, but also by instilling powerful messages about empowerment and community.

A Quick Summary of "Barbie" the film *spoilers*

The film follows the journey of Barbie, a young woman who lives in "Barbieland", a world where conformity is expected and stepping outside of predefined roles is discouraged. However, after she discovers a connection with the "Real World", Barbie's insatiable curiosity and desire for self-expression drive her to question the norms of "Barbieland". As she embarks on a mission to investigate the connection, she faces the challenges of being a woman in the "Real World", while also observing the pressure & disconnect put on men in the "Real World". Newsflash: the patriarchy is bad for everyone. We'll stop the summary there as not to giveaway the ending (Go see the film!).

Themes Explored

1. Embracing Individuality: Barbie's determination to pursue her interests, despite societal expectations, underscores the importance of embracing one's individuality. By daring to be different, she challenges the status quo and demonstrates that true happiness is found in staying true to oneself.

2. Determination and Perseverance: The movie beautifully illustrates how Barbie's journey is not without its hurdles. She encounters setbacks, faces skepticism, and endures self-doubt. Yet, her determination and perseverance enable her to overcome these obstacles and prove that limitations can be conquered through hard work and resilience.

3. Collaboration and Support: Barbie's path to success is not a solitary one. She forms meaningful relationships with like-minded individuals who recognize her potential and provide unwavering support. This highlights the significance of surrounding oneself with a supportive network that helps in pushing beyond limitations.

4. Empowerment Through Knowledge: Barbie's aptitude for engineering underscores the idea that knowledge is a powerful tool for breaking barriers. In a world that often imposes limitations based on gender, the movie sends a strong message that education and skill-building can empower anyone to transcend those boundaries.

5. Inspiring Change: As Barbie's achievements start to influence her community, the movie highlights the ripple effect of pushing past limitations. By challenging societal norms, she not only transforms her own life but also inspires others to recognize and break free from their own constraints.

The Barbie movie stands as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to triumph over adversity and redefine personal limits. Through its engaging narrative and powerful themes, it motivates viewers to embrace their unique qualities, pursue their passions relentlessly, and challenge the limitations that society often imposes. As we watch Barbie break free from the mold, we're reminded that our potential knows no bounds when we dare to dream and push beyond the limitations that seek to confine us.

What were your thoughts on the Barbie movie? Did you love it? Hate it? Tell us your thoughts below.