Greta Gerwig's Brilliant Clapback Shuts Down Barbie's Conservative Critics
Greta Gerwig eloquently addresses the misguided conservative backlash against Barbie, highlighting the profound significance and impact of this cultural icon, both critically and commercially
Summary
Responding to backlash, Barbie director Greta Gerwig highlights the film's mission to challenge societal norms that restrict equality and self-acceptance. The critique fails to grasp the essence of Barbie, as it delves into the shortcomings of both matriarchal and patriarchal societies, paving the way for inclusivity and cooperative advancement.The act of burning Barbie dolls and accusing the movie of being anti-men stems from damaging societal norms that the film aims to challenge, encouraging unity and self-acceptance instead. Barbie intends to inspire and instill hope in her message.
Please note: This article may contain spoilers related to Barbie.
Barbie director Greta Gerwig has responded to the conservative backlash against the film. Despite breaking box office records and receiving positive reviews, Barbie faced backlash, including negative audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes, a video of Ben Shapiro burning Barbie dolls, Elon Musk criticizing the movie's stance on the patriarchy, and claims of being "woke" and "anti-men."
In an interview with The New York Times, Gerwig was asked if she anticipated this backlash prior to the film's release. She also shared her hopes for what all viewers, regardless of their opinions or political beliefs, will take away from the movie. Read her comments below:
No, I didn’t. Undoubtedly, there is an abundance of enthusiasm. My aspiration for the film is that it extends an open invitation to everyone to join the celebration and liberate ourselves from the things that may not be benefiting us as either women or men. Amidst all that fervor, if they witness or interact with it, I hope it brings them some of the solace that it offered to others.
The Backlash Misses The Point Of Barbie
"Rewritten Fragment"
Barbie's message ultimately emphasizes inclusivity and self-acceptance. Despite the apparent perfection of life in Barbie Land initially, this ideal is not restored even after the Barbies regain their power. The reason for this lies in the exclusion of the Kens from Barbie Land's matriarchal society, resulting in a hierarchical structure that prevents the Kens from becoming valued and fulfilled members of their community. Conversely, the patriarchal society established by Ryan Gosling's Ken isn't any better as it indoctrinates the Barbies, excludes them, and deprives them of their self-worth and invaluable contributions. The Kens are still left unfulfilled within this system, only burdened with new frustrations.
The ending of the Barbie movie clearly illustrates that neither the matriarchal nor patriarchal society were successful. Instead, changes are implemented to foster greater equality among the Barbies, Kens, and even the outcast dolls. The film explores the negative impact of systems like patriarchy on everyone, including men. It emphasizes that true progress can only be achieved when everyone is treated equally and collaborates. The movie aims to promote inclusivity by urging individuals to let go of societal standards that hinder equality and self-acceptance.
Once the Barbies and Kens free themselves from these expectations, particularly illustrated through Margot Robbie's Barbie and Gosling's Ken, they experience enhanced happiness and personal growth. Any negative reactions, such as burning Barbie dolls and review bombing on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as perceiving the movie as an attack on men, stem from the same harmful societal expectations that the movie encourages its characters to abandon. Rather than intentionally dividing audiences, Barbie strives to provoke thought and potentially inspire and instill hope through its messages of unity and self-love.
Source: The New York Times
