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Barbie's Take On Feminism

Writer's picture: Maren SchiklerMaren Schikler

*Spoilers are ahead related to Barbie*


At this point in the year, the movie Barbie [Film] by Greta Gerwig is a household name for a multitude of reasons. We can speculate it has to do with the incredible cast, beautiful costumes, or the intricate set. After speaking with other therapists and clients, the largest reason that it stands out is that Barbie [Film] captured the pressure and obligations that come with being a woman and the female experience in a way that not only included serious moments, but amusing ones as well (serenaded by instruments anyone?)


Between Barbie, Ken, and Allen, the variety of relationships showcased the vast communication styles and the pressure to act, following the unspoken rules of society in all situations. In our daily lives, we have go-to phrases and behavior that keep us safe and within the realm of normalcy. As I reflect with clients on the movie, the iconic monologue spoken by America Ferrera’s character, Gloria, is what resonates with us all. The monologue highlighted the pressures of having a specific body type (skinny but not too skinny) the desire to have and raise children (but not talk about them constantly) and to present in a way that isn’t threatening to anyone else’s relationship but remembering to always hold oneself with grace. In other words, near impossible and a double bind.


Gloria says “always stand out and always be grateful. But never forget that the system is rigged. So find a way to acknowledge that but also always be grateful. You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line. It's too hard! It's too contradictory and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you! And it turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also everything is your fault.”


As a Marriage and Family Therapist, the word “systems” always stands out to me. In my work with clients, we dissect the systems at play within our own lives. Systems can range from partners, co-workers, religion, sexuality, gender identity, and more. The system Gloria speaks of is recognizing the systemic conditioning we were taught since birth and how to try and reclaim our own power, desire, and needs. In a world in which one tries to reclaim these, Barbie [Film] shouted the injustices in a clever way. As we move through the world, I encourage curiosity, to help determine which desires are your own and which feel as though they’ve been forced upon you.


*Those of us at Strong Roots work with people of all genders. We want to note that while the writers of Barbie [Film] did an excellent job addressing issues of feminism, not all genders were represented.*

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