The Unveiling of Barbie and The Bomb: A Reflection on the Year 2023

Sign up to receive this weekly column as a newsletter for a curated selection of the most compelling opinion pieces from CNN and other sources. In his 1966 foreword to Sylvia Plath's posthumously published collection "Ariel," Robert Lowell described her as a master of "controlled hallucination" and portrayed her as a poet whose language never dies in her mouth. Despite being known for other things, Plath is defined by the strength of her voice and the vitality of her art.

To be likened to a monster while still being praised for one's creative power is a familiar journey for Taylor Swift, another master of performance and irony. Just as critics found value in Plath's recurring imagery, Swift's authority and intimacy with her millions of fans is demonstrated through repetition and coded messages that add a whole new level of depth.

It's no surprise that 2023 was Taylor's Version, but it's part of something bigger. This year, women and girls, from those who attended the Eras Tour and Beyoncé's Renaissance shows to those who enjoyed screenings of "Barbie" and "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret", looked at a political landscape that has stripped them of agency and said, "Nope." Their voices emphasized joy, community, and self-expression, driving the cultural narrative and even the American economy.

Team Gonna Be Forever vs. Team Gonna Go Down in Flames

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have dinner at Waverly Inn on October 15 in New York.

Gotham/GC Images/Getty Images

Taylor Swift's success in the world of capitalism this year was undeniable, according to Jeff Yang. Her performances brought in enough money to support 3,300 jobs and her ability to reinvent herself translated into financial success with the Eras Tour. Yang admitted to being a reluctant fan of her music and her impressive business acumen, and expressed interest in writing a book about the lessons that budding entrepreneurs could learn from Swift's savvy moves. Swift's achievements also extended to her personal life, as she was named Time's Person of the Year and part of a high-profile couple with Travis Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. According to Jill Filipovic, Swift and Kelce serve as a positive relationship model, with Kelce demonstrating support for Swift's successful career despite being out-earned by her.

Every love story has its potential dark side, and according to Frankie de la Cretaz, the way sports media has handled the news about the potential relationship reveals a lot about the pervasiveness of heterosexual male entitlement in mainstream culture. De la Cretaz sees it as male journalists congratulating a man for dating the most attractive woman. For further information, please refer to the source.

Holly Thomas: Heres who should have won Times Person of the Year

Dean Obeidallah: Haters gonna hate, so Taylor Swift wants her fans to vote them out

Barbie and The Bomb

On July 21, the year was divided into two eras: BB (Before Barbenheimer) and AB (After Barbenheimer). The billion-dollar "Barbie" is now available for streaming, and both movies have received a total of 17 Golden Globe nominations. ("Barbie" is distributed by Warner Bros. Discovery, which is also the parent company of CNN.)

Scholars Aanchal Saraf and Rebecca Hogue described the portmanteau of Barbie and Oppenheimer as a result of the films being set for release on the same day and their apparent contradiction in style. They explained that the juxtaposition relies on a visual language as old as the IPs it is borrowing from, and has significant predecessors in cultural moments that combined sex and nuclear weapons. Saraf and Hogue critiqued the "Barbenheimer" concept for its merging of bombs and bombshells, shedding new light on various aspects from the history of the bikini to "Oppenheimer" director Christopher Nolan's portrayal of women. They suggested "Atomic Playboy" as a more fitting title for the film. Despite the dominance of Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," voices on the right called for a boycott for reasons such as the film being too "woke" or "brainwashing young girls." However, according to Dean Obeidallah, the critics were no match for the influence of the Mattel doll, as the film broke box-office records.

Holly Thomas found the best thing about "Barbie" to be a pleasant surprise: Ken, Barbie's non-boyfriend. She expressed that Ryan Gosling's transformation into "Kenough" shattered one of Hollywood's most tired cliches, demonstrating that it's possible to portray a dumb and attractive himbo without becoming an egotistical nightmare.

In her article, Jill Filipovic discusses how Barbie's success during the summer could potentially help dismantle the patriarchy.

Sara Stewart: Barbie doesnt belong in a box

Gene Seymour: Oppenheimer is a different kind of movie

AI is here, and we cant handle it

CNN Opinion conducted an in-depth analysis of artificial intelligence this year, examining the potential impact of AI on our lives, work, and identity. Jessica Chia and Bethany Cianciolo interviewed computer science professor Stuart Russell about the evolution of AI, the workings of large language models like ChatGPT, the need for regulation, and his concerns about the future of the technology. Russell emphasized the importance of ensuring that AI remains controllable and safe as it becomes more powerful, comparing it to the safety standards for airplanes. In addition, Chia and Cianciolo gathered insights from experts in various industries to explore the question, "How will AI change the nature of work?" Read their diverse perspectives here.

AI has already had a devastating impact on women, as deepfake pornography becomes increasingly common, according to Sophie Compton and Reuben Hamlyn, directors of the documentary "Another Body." They are advocating for the criminalization of nonconsensual deepfake pornography through federal laws targeting both creators and platforms. Additionally, high school senior Sidhi Dhanda believes that AI chatbots are an essential tool in education and has called for more teachers to embrace AI. She argues that using AI chatbot-generated ideas should not be considered plagiarism and deserves careful consideration, rather than a knee-jerk response.

For more on AI:

Jere Hester: The fifth Beatle is artificial intelligence

Will Leitch: What the Sports Illustrated AI debacle is telling us

Is this the last acceptable bias?

Photo illustration: Jason Lancaster/CNN/Adobe Stock

What does it mean to live in the age of Ozempic? For many Americans who have struggled with their weight and health problems, this diabetes drug has been an effective treatment for obesity, as long as it is consistently used. Studies indicate that most patients who discontinue their medication end up gaining the weight back. The widespread use of Ozempic and Wegovy as diet aids has led to a deluge of celebrity endorsements and discussions.

During a conversation with journalist Virginia Sole-Smith, Kirsi Goldynia and I explored the Ozempic trend, as well as the accessibility of medical care and the outdated use of the Body Mass Index. Sole-Smith cautions that supporters of weight-loss drugs are overlooking a larger issue: the presence of a diet culture that deems certain bodies as acceptable, beautiful, and healthy, while marginalizing others as "diseased," "ugly," "lazy," or "unconcerned about health." When viewed in this light, Ozempic is not a miracle drug. Its popularity reflects a dangerous and prevalent message. As Sole-Smith stated, "If we can make fat people thin, does that make it OK to hate fat people?"

For more on weight-loss drugs:

Simon C. Cork: Popular weight loss drugs carry some worrisome risks

Living in a state of climate emergency

How many climate deniers does it take to change a lightbulb? None, the bulb is fine. Climate scientist Bill McGuire believes that it is essential to find humor in the face of climate change. He is part of a growing movement of climate scientists who are using comedy to convey their message. After the COP28 conference, McGuire remarked on the irony of the event, where thousands of delegates, including those from the fossil fuel sector, seemed to make a joke out of the climate crisis. He emphasizes the importance of laughing, even if it is a slightly hysterical laugh that quickly turns to weeping. For more on the climate crisis in our everyday lives, read on.

Katharine Wilkinson: What threatens my city in the forest

Deborah Carr, Ian Sue Wing and Giacomo Falchetta: The Sunbelt was the retirement destination of choice. That was before climate change

Musical messages

Beyoncé at the 65th Grammy Awards, on February 5, 2023.

Francis Specker/CBS

The 65th annual Grammy Awards brought joy with performances by Beyoncé, Lizzo, Kim Petras, and others. Radio host and author Clay Cane noted the significance of Beyoncé openly thanking her LGBTQ fan base on a world stage, highlighting the impact of her Renaissance project featuring Black queer artists who earned album credits. In country music, Maren Morris' EP "The Bridge" and her departure from the industry reflect a larger battle between those seeking to align the music industry with right-wing politics and those advocating for a more inclusive, representative, and historically-rooted version of Americana, folk, and country music, explained historian Nicole Hemmer. This ongoing battle, exemplified by figures like Jason Aldean on one side and Black Opry founder Holly G, Lil Nas X, and Morris on the other, highlights the politically charged nature of the genre's history and present.

For more on music in 2023:

Nicole Hemmer: Jason Aldean cant rewrite the history his song depends on

Mary Gabriel: Madonnas Celebration Tour is her most radical LGBTQ statement in decades

Ximena N. Beltran Quan Kiu: Shakira is reminding us about a universal truth

Family ties

Alison Omens, who shared her experience of living in fear that her husband could die before her stepchildren turn 18, emphasized the need to reconsider the government's role in defining and protecting families. She urged for a reimagining of the state's understanding of family dynamics, especially in cases of blended families, to better support children living in non-traditional family structures. Omens emphasized the importance of including non-legal parents in legal discussions and decisions that impact the well-being of the children they care for.

Patricia Grisafi: Joe Jonas narrative about Sophie Turner wont work

Sara Stewart: Why Im hoping motherhood spectrum will be the new sober curious

Rebecca Bodenheimer: Shiv Roys pregnancy reveals the heart of Succession

The power of fantasy

Emma Stone in "Poor Things."

Searchlight Pictures presents "Poor Things," a Victorian-era raunch-fest that is a welcome, hilarious and salacious escape for women in a year that has seen one hit after another to their rights. Culture critic Sara Stewart hailed this film as a "fantastically physical feminist creation" that goes where "Barbie" couldn't. Stewart noted that it's "tragic that freedom from shame and patriarchy is such fantasy terrain, but it's also a hoot to watch." In a world where reproductive rights are under assault and women and girls face alarming violence with little recourse, "Poor Things" is a comic balm for the soul and an artistic exhortation to better things.

Historian Shaun Armstead cautioned against the potential drawbacks of the power of fantasy, particularly in the context of historical portrayals of race. In his critique of the "Bridgerton" prequel "Queen Charlotte," Armstead expressed concern that while the show aimed to diversify representation on television, it did so at the expense of perpetuating Eurocentric views of history. He argued that this approach glossed over the harsh realities of the past, ultimately providing viewers with a sanitized and inaccurate version of history, just as accurate narratives of the past are being challenged. For further exploration of the power of fantasy, continue reading.

Nicole Hemmer: Red, White & Royal Blue and the growing genre of liberal wish fulfillment

Noah Berlatsky: The Boy and the Heron is a legendary directors radical take on imagination

Jeff Yang: Ive loved musicals my whole life. This one changed how I see them

Roy Schwartz: What you need to know about Captain Americas real secret identity

Hannah Pham: Why this Oscars favorite had me sobbing uncontrollably

Need a laugh? Youre not alone

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi in "Never Have I Ever."

Check out these clever, comedic picks on Netflix that are sure to entertain and educate. Thalia, the Greek goddess of comedy, would surely approve.

Raakhee Mirchandani: This TV mom changed everything

David M. Perry: Mrs. Maisel isnt perfect, but its what I need

Regina Kim: Joy Ride is the Asian American-centered movie that all audiences need to see

Noah Berlatsky: Were in the midst of anti-sex backlash that has ensnared Jennifer Lawrences new romcom

Amy Klein: Why Old Dads made me so mad

Neil J. Young: Strays is a raunchy, hilarious reminder of a real problem

Adaptation as battle cry

Rachel McAdams and Abby Ryder Fortson in the film adaptation of Judy Blume's "Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret"

Courtesy Lionsgate Films

Culture critic Gene Seymour discussed writer/director Cord Jefferson's "American Fiction," adapted from Percival Everett's 2001 novel "Erasure," highlighting the unique abilities of books and movies. He noted that the film blends racial satire with family drama and, in the wake of the George Floyd moment, it seems to make the subject of its satire almost obsolete by its mere existence.

An additional noteworthy adaptation this year is Sandra Newman's novel "Julia," which reimagines George Orwell's "1984" from a feminist perspective, continuing a tradition of fictional retellings that offer a new viewpoint through marginalized characters. Historian Laura Beers compared Newman's attempt to challenge Oceania from a female perspective to recent efforts to reclaim Barbie for feminism. In both cases, female characters assert themselves as heroines and refuse to be objectified or diminished.

Another take:

Sara Stewart: This good-hearted movie makes for a hell of a battle cry

Unforgettable moments in sports

Simone Biles at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, on October 8, 2023.

Yves Herman/Reuters

Simone Biles made an incredible comeback, breaking records at the US National Championships and the World Championships. Former gymnast Onnie Willis Rogers praised Biles for not only her brilliance in gymnastics, but for also changing the narrative of who can be a champion and excel at what they love. Biles teaches us that we have the power to change restrictive narratives and expectations that can limit us in our careers.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin's devastating injury during an NFL game was one of the top Google searches this year. Former NFL player Coy Wire reflected on how players are trained to ignore their pain, but the cessation of play after Hamlin's injury showed him the importance of prioritizing the players' health, both mentally and physically. Jeff Pearlman also questioned the wisdom of the physicality in football and the impact it has on players' well-being.

For more big moments in sports:

Will Leitch: College football is eating its institutions alive

Amira Rose Davis: ShaCarri Richardson says shes now embracing the most important cause of all

Holly Thomas: Why the Spanish soccer chiefs puerile showdown is so toxic

Amy Bass: US loss at Womens World Cup sends a clear message

Roxanne Jones: The way to respect starts with raising your voice

Our obsession with murder stories

Kenneth Branagh in "A Haunting in Venice"

20th Century Studios

Sara Stewart argues that fictional murder stories often use gore to convey an important message. She points to "Heathers," "Bottoms," and "Perpetrators" as films that effectively capture the real terror experienced by teenage girls. Stewart acknowledges that these movies may be dark and even tasteless, but she emphasizes that they shed light on the violence and trauma that real-life girls endure. She poses the question of whether a movie can be a lighthearted comedy while still highlighting the suffering of teen girls, and answers affirmatively.

On the other hand, Noah Berlatsky critiques Kenneth Branagh's "A Haunting in Venice," noting that while Hercule Poirot ultimately solves the case, many people have died in the process. Berlatsky argues that the "cozy" detective fiction genre, which typically features neat endings and tidy solutions, can lead to a desensitization to the rising body count. He suggests that turning murder into a game is not harmless fun, but rather a sign of bloodthirstiness.

What happens when it's a real-life murder story, and it becomes not a source of pleasure, but of obsession? According to author Rachel Monroe, the fascination with true crime narratives dates back to 18th and 19th century murder ballads and scandal sheets, reflecting our enduring interest in the dark aspects of human experience. As Monroe writes, "True crime stories can bring out our best and worst instincts. Empathy can turn into voyeurism, and the quest for justice can transform into a thirst for vengeance."

For a different perspective on true crime:

Kara Alaimo: The Gilgo Four case raises an uncomfortable truth

All will be well

Illustrartion by Leah Abucayan/CNN

Poet Tess Taylor suggests that burnout at the end of the school year in May is just as real as the sentiment that April is the cruelest month. She emphasizes the importance of working in community and how volunteering or working with others can help shift our focus from ourselves to a deeper communion with one another, especially in a world that feels uneasy and divided.

Holly Thomas reflects on the increasing obsession with "what were doing about our faces" and the pressure to maintain a youthful appearance. She argues that normalizing the visible effects of aging is important not only for body positivity, but also as a reminder that the passage of time is out of our control. Thomas emphasizes that how we spend our time is more important than how we look while doing it.

Facing a breast cancer diagnosis and the harsh effects of treatment, Maggie Mulqueen found solace in her love for reading. Immersing herself in the world of Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache novels and Nancy Drew mysteries, she found comfort and escape. The growing pile of books on her nightstand provided reassurance and a sense of calm, knowing that she would never run out of books to distract her during sleepless nights. With limited energy, she continued to persevere through one book after another, finding solace in the mantra "All will be well" before facing each medical intervention.

Deborah Carr: Five life lessons to learn watching The Golden Bachelor

Euny Hong: What Personal Jesus and Girl With a Pearl Earring have in common

Samira Jafari and Richard Roth: How a coworkers email saved his life and renewed hers

First person on the money

Azul Blaquier: If you think the US has it bad, look to Argentina

Sophia Celentano: The last thing my airplane commute is about is entitlement

Jemal Polson: I messaged 180 people and got 6 viewings. The crushing reality of renting in this city

Mehdi Barakchian: Ive sacrificed for a Hollywood acting career. This is where I draw the line

Rosa Cruz: The last government shutdown was a disaster for me. This time could be far worse

Rachel Clark: Its hard to break free of generational poverty. The Supreme Court just made it harder

Bill Perkins: The moment I realized were saving too much for retirement

Making sense of it

Illustration by Leah Abucayan/CNN

This year, headlines have been dominated by stories of war, poverty, climate disasters, and mass shootings. In a world fixated on happiness, Monica C. Parker questions whether happiness is truly what we should be pursuing. Drawing from expert research and her own personal experiences, she argues for wonder instead, embracing life's beautiful and messy complexity in a way that happiness cannot.

Change is unavoidable. Maggie Jackson, an avid ocean swimmer from Rhode Island, writes that humans have a natural longing for answers and that not knowing can be unsettling. However, embracing uncertainty can lead to curiosity, adaptability, and resilience, which are essential cognitive skills during times of change.

Tess Taylor, in an essay for Labor Day, reflected on work and rest and what we want them to mean in our lives. She introduced five original poems from an anthology about gardens and the hands that care for them. Taylor shared her belief that in a garden, we can learn to appreciate and partake in the life of plants, while in a poem, we can do the same with the life of words. She emphasizes that both experiences make us richer.

Dear readers, we want to express our gratitude for your support and contribution in making this year truly fulfilling. Please note that there will be no Provoke/Persuade newsletter on December 24. We will miss you next week and wish you and your loved ones a joyful and healthy holiday season. Thank you for being a part of our journey.