Barbie: The Billion-Dollar Success and Its Lessons in Authenticity, Feminism, and Self-Fulfilment

Recently, CNN reported that the Barbie movie had made history, raking $1 billion at the box office!

Like many, I grew up with Barbie. So there wasn’t a chance I would miss what was being called the year’s biggest movie.

Aside from the chirpy dance numbers and flashy, sparkly pink outfits, I found an undertone of seriousness to the film’s message. The movie didn’t just entertain me; I took away many valuable lessons. Here are some of my key insights:

1️⃣ Embrace Your Flaws and Know You are Enough

In the film, we see the pressure that women are put under to look perfect.

Gloria’s speech got to me, especially when she said, “It is literally impossible to be a woman: We must be extraordinary, but somehow we’re always doing it wrong.”

This is a shared experience we women face, isn’t it? Despite our remarkable achievements, we often encounter situations that make us doubt ourselves. That is why I wholeheartedly strive to promote the importance of authenticity and accepting our flaws.

We must create room to embrace all the complex and beautiful aspects that define us and recognise that we are genuinely sufficient just as we are.

2️⃣ Barbie is a Feminist Icon breaking streotypes and representing the notion that you can be what you choose to be!

Barbie was initially created to empower women, encouraging them to embrace strength and believe in their limitless potential.

Over the years, Barbie has faced criticism for perpetuating unrealistic beauty ideals and lacking inclusivity. These concerns prompted discussions about Barbie’s potential negative impact on young girls.

Therefore, witnessing the positive strides made in the Barbie movie, where these issues were addressed head-on, is heartening. Instead of embodying unattainable standards, Barbie was meant to be a catalyst for inspiration, helping girls transform their aspirations into tangible achievements.

We are built strong, tough, and yet, soft and caring as well. You can be anything you choose to be.

3️⃣ My Favourite: Yes, You Can Be Happy Being Single

Our society puts so much emphasis on romance and how one is only complete with it. We’re expected to get married and have kids at a certain age. While everyone feels this pressure, women bear a heavier load because of our “biological clock.”

The Barbie movie shows how it’s possible, and can even be ideal, to have a great life on your own without needing to tie yourself down to an archaic idea.

While Barbie eventually appreciated Ken’s presence in her life, they can be friends without being romantically inclined. The film is an excellent example that having a fulfilling life doesn’t always need to have romantic love in it.

Don’t let societal pressure determine what you should or not attain. Or what success is. You charter your own path! Like Barbie, you can be anything you want to be. I walked into the theatre expecting to be entertained, but instead, I got all that and more. But isn’t it just like us women?