While Barbie's motto is you can be anything, Gerwig's movie maintains that “anything” doesn't reach outside the gender binary. Director Greta Gerwig's 2023 Barbie may have good intentions when it comes to inclusivity, but it fails to push the boundaries when it comes to gender binary and LGBTQ+ characters.
She plays the role of Doctor Barbie. While the film does not dive into trans identity, Barbie still manages to touch upon LGBTQ+ issues without naming them as such. In fact, the film features several openly LGBTQ+ actors, like Hari Nef, Kate McKinnon, Alexandra Shipp, and Scott Evans.
The movie received its PG-13 rating because of “suggestive references” and “brief language.” Some parents may not be ready or comfortable to discuss the more advanced plot lines while others may simply just know if their child is or is not ready to be introduced to mature topics.
At the heart of the film lies a message of radical inclusion. The kaleidoscope of characters, each representing diverse backgrounds and identities, reflects a utopian vision of a world where everyone is Barbie – an emblem of potential, strength, and beauty, irrespective of race or abilities.
Mattel, the toy giant best known for its hyper-feminine Barbie dolls, has launched a line of gender-inclusive dolls – a move welcomed by trans rights campaigners. The gender-inclusive line of dolls, named Creatable World, allows children to experiment with clothes and hairstyles that are not dictated by gender norms.
This Barbie Movie is the GAYEST Movie You've Ever Seen
What is a boy Barbie called?
Ken was introduced as the male counterpart to Barbie by the American toy company Mattel in 1961. He was named after Kenneth Handler, son of Barbie creator/inventor Ruth Handler, just as Barbie was named after her daughter.
It is ironic that a company that took off on the tiny shoulders of Barbie (literally — Mattel was founded in 1945 by Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie, and her husband Elliot Handler, and was propelled into success due to Barbie's creation) — a toy created for girls — is helmed by mostly men.
Barbie's journey to inclusivity began in 1967 when it released its first Barbie of colour called 'Colored Francie'. But It was not till 2015 that Barbie made it their purpose to be more inclusive and relatable.
Detractors argue that the movie is "anti-male" and deemed propagandist due to its exploration of a society where Barbieland is governed entirely by women, while the Kens are relegated to mere objects devoid of inherent value.
In a world that thrives on acceptance and inclusivity, this film is stepping up to the plate. It's celebrating multiculturalism by featuring characters from different races and ethnicities.
Director Greta Gerwig, who has built a devoted following for such female-forward movies as Lady Bird and Little Women, has labeled Barbie "most certainly a feminist film." Mattel executives, on the other hand, have said the opposite.
No children are abused in the movie, nor do any parents treat their children poorly. The closest trigger that may be for a person is that a mother yells. It is during a car chase scene after her daughter makes fun of her, though, it is evident the mother loves her daughter and truly does her best to support her.
Created by Barbie's inventor Ruth Handler, Ken was a boyfriend designed by women for girls. Just as Barbie was named after Handler's daughter, so Ken was named after her son. And so the safe, boyfriend-friend dynamic of Barbie and Ken's relationship was established.
There are also two discontinued Kens that take part in the scene with all the forgotten dolls. The first is Sugar Daddy Ken, a modern doll portrayed by British actor Rob Brydon. Sugar Daddy Ken was created in 2009 for Barbie's 50th anniversary as part of the adult doll collection line for Mattel.
The majority of people who watched the movie say they either loved or liked it. Overall, 62% of women loved Barbie and 31% liked it, while 50% of men say they loved the movie, and 43% liked it.
The discrete nature of the camera sent alarm bells ringing for the FBI who were concerned it could be used to film child pornography. They issued an alert that recommended that police searches should look out for these dolls as they could contain evidence.
Barbie is very entertaining and despite the apparent artificiality, it questions social mandates. Throughout the film, a successful sense of humor is maintained regarding the struggle of the sexes and its cultural implications, without being offensive.
Since Becky's launch, Mattel has promoted and released more lines of dolls that are more representative, including dolls with disabilities. Some have prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, and one has vitiligo.
The new additions to the iconic doll line include Petite Barbie, Tall Barbie and Curvy Barbie—who didn't make it five minutes before she was predictably dubbed “Fat Barbie.”
A former employee of Mattel has sued the company and its plan fiduciaries alleging the company's 401(k) plan violated ERISA by misusing funds forfeited by participants who leave the plan before they are fully vested to reduce company contributions.
Why Mattel is releasing the first gender neutral doll?
In testing, the company found that Generation Alpha children chafed at labels and mandates no matter their gender identity: They didn't want to be told whom a toy was designed for or how to play with it.
