Why did Barbie go to the real world?
Ever since Greta Gerwig's Barbie hit the big screens, audiences have been left pleasantly surprised, slightly perplexed, and extremely thoughtful. The film is a vibrant kaleidoscope that juxtaposes the candy-colored world of Barbie Land with the often monochrome realities of human existence. The premise that has engendered the most speculation, however, is Barbie’s daring foray into the real world. Here, we explore the myriad reasons why our beloved doll took the unprecedented step out of her idyllic world and onto the streets of Los Angeles.
To fully understand Barbie's motivations, we first need to grasp the state of her existence in Barbie Land. Margot Robbie's Barbie is not just a toy in a playroom; she is the epitome of perfection and the embodiment of an ideal. Yet, behind her vibrant smile and perfect physique, Barbie grapples with existential dread. From the malfunctioning Malibu Dreamhouse to her uncharacteristic thoughts about mortality and her feet that no longer maintain their high-heel arch, Barbie undergoes what can be best described as mid-life crisis symptoms. Despite living in an idealistic, plastic paradise, she is filled with a sense of discontent and dissatisfaction that challenges her state of mind.
Her search for answers brings her to Weird Barbie, a pseudo-mystic of Barbie Land. Barbie is presented with the revelation that a rift has emerged between her world and the real world, leading her to embark on an adventurous journey to the human world. Her mission: to find the human child who’s playing with her doll to fix the balance between the two realms.
Venturing into the real world, Barbie comes face-to-face with her legacy's repercussions, providing a poignant critique of her character's history. Gerwig's Barbie sees herself mirrored in society, yet this reflection is far from what she hoped it would be. Instead of a beacon of ambition and creativity, Barbie has been reduced to an object of corporatized objectification. The realization that her existence has perhaps contributed to perpetuating sexist stereotypes, rather than challenging them, is a sobering blow.
Her partner in this journey, Ken (Ryan Gosling), takes a drastically different route. As he savors the intoxicating patriarchal power dynamics, Barbie is left to grapple with the harsh realities of misogyny and sexual objectification. These contrasting experiences amplify Barbie’s understanding of the real-world issues, compelling her to confront and challenge her own legacy.
Barbie's journey to the real world is also an exploration of the societal constructs that bind women. She comes to grips with the fact that her original mission to empower girls may have fallen short, as the real world seems far from her idyllic existence. She questions the lack of female leadership, the societal pressure, and the inherent patriarchal tendencies that prevail.
In essence, Barbie's trip to the real world is a poignant narrative device that Gerwig uses to critique and highlight the societal issues around gender roles and expectations. Through this bold move, Barbie, and the audience along with her, is challenged to reassess pre-existing beliefs about womanhood, empowerment, and self-identity. Her foray into the real world is a metaphorical journey into the reality of being a woman, where the candy colors of Barbie Land are replaced with the stark truths of existence.
In a concluding note, Barbie’s journey to the real world symbolizes her evolution and her resilience to question, understand, and confront the harsh realities of society. It serves as a powerful reminder that Barbie, much like the women she represents, is not just a stereotype but a dynamic entity, capable of growth and self-examination. Despite the plastic exterior, the movie emphasizes the depth and complexity of Barbie's character, redefining her for a new generation.
