Barbie’s flashing pink outfits, high heels and assertive smile could not have been more at odds with
the Real World’s dull mundanity. Neither could the striking difference between the social hierarchy in
the two worlds.
The keenly anticipated film hit the theatres on July 21 st . Once the initial publicity (and the huge
crowds flocking to the cinema halls in pink) subsided, several took to social media platforms to
criticise the movie for being ‘anti-men’.
However, these words do not quite ring true.
Ryan Gosling’s Ken is consumed entirely by his desire to be with Barbie, to be acknowledged by her
in a world that finds him inconsequential. On their brief voyage to the ‘Real World’ they discover
patriarchy – a revelation that astonishes and appals Barbie, while at the same time thrilling and
inspiring Ken.
He then returns to Barbieland, eager to spread this fascinating ideology to the other Kens, a move
which ultimately results in the making of ‘Kendom’. It was a conspicuous shift in the
power-dynamics, transferring it, for the first time to the Kens.
Had ‘Barbie’ truly been an anti-men movie, it would have ended here, portraying Ken as the
power-hungry, oppressive individual. On the contrary, it sets both Barbie and Ken on a journey of
self-discovery as they realize that in hindsight that patriarchy serves neither of them.
The latter half of the film provides an emotional and empathizing insight into patriarchy’s real impact
on Ken. It affects his mental health, leading him to believe that only by lording over the Barbies and
being ‘masculine’, could he be considered worthy enough.
It may have seemed a fantastic idea at the time, but patriarchy only made Ken question everything
about himself. He gradually becomes disconnected from his emotions and chooses to lead a frivolous,
superficial lifestyle in order to hide the insecurities within.
He goes on to realize that patriarchy requires him to maintain this façade constantly, while an invisible
threat hangs over him – a moment’s hesitation, a moment of doubt could cost him and could be
weaponized against him.
The movie has made it ample clear that it is not anti-men, but simply anti-patriarchy. It urges women
to take a stand and the men to break free from the meaningless practise and constraints of
‘masculinity’.
Through its vibrant, cheerful, pink landscape, it delivers the message that you, just as you, are
Kenough.
Anoushka Chopra
XB
