Why did Barbie want to become human?

Table of Contents

In Greta Gerwig's innovative reimagining of Barbie, the familiar blonde plastic doll embarks on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, culminating in her decision to become human. This profound transition from plastic to flesh and blood is the heart of the film's narrative and stands as a potent symbol of Barbie's quest for identity, authenticity, and freedom.

The Crisis of Perfection

Barbie, as we know her, is the epitome of perfection — a plastic embodiment of unattainable beauty standards and aspirational life goals. However, this façade of perfection also casts a shadow of artificiality. Stripped of any flaws, vulnerabilities, or limitations that define human existence, Barbie exists in a seemingly utopian, yet ultimately empty world.

In Gerwig's film, this realization triggers an existential crisis for Barbie. The recognition that her perfect world of Barbieland is a constructed, illusory realm devoid of authenticity, catalyzes her journey towards the real world. It is a symbolic voyage from an existence defined by artificiality to one characterized by imperfection, unpredictability, and, above all, authenticity.

The Lure of Authenticity

Barbie's transformation from plastic to human can be viewed as a quest for authenticity. As a doll, Barbie represents an idealized notion of femininity that does not align with the complexities of real-life womanhood. Her decision to become human is thus a bold statement of rebellion against the limitations imposed by her plastic existence.

Her interaction with Gloria and Sasha, two real women with their own struggles and triumphs, offers a counter-narrative to her manufactured perfection. It is their humanity — flawed, dynamic, and resilient — that draws Barbie towards the decision to abandon her plastic self.

The Human Experience and Mortality

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is Barbie's contemplation of death — a concept alien to her immortal plastic existence. This mortal realization highlights the transient nature of life, adding a layer of profound depth to Barbie's decision to become human.

In choosing to embrace mortality, Barbie signifies her acceptance of life's inherent uncertainties, imperfections, and inevitable end. It is an admission that the richness of the human experience, despite its fleeting nature, holds more value than an eternal yet hollow plastic existence.

Barbie and The Myth of Pygmalion

An interesting parallel can be drawn between Barbie's transformation and the ancient Greek myth of Pygmalion. Pygmalion, a sculptor, falls in love with his ivory statue, Galatea, which the goddess Aphrodite brings to life. Similar to Pygmalion's desire for Galatea to become real, Barbie wishes to transcend her plastic shell and become a living, breathing entity.

However, the subversion lies in the locus of agency. Unlike Galatea, whose transformation was the result of Pygmalion's desire, Barbie's transition is a conscious choice — a manifestation of her desire for self-determination and autonomy.

Barbie's New Identity

The final scene of the film encapsulates the essence of Barbie's transformation. As a human woman, Barbie walks into a gynecologist's office, marking her symbolic entry into the realm of real-world womanhood. This potent visual metaphor underscores Barbie's embrace of her newfound identity, unshackled from her plastic origins.

Conclusion

In Gerwig's 'Barbie,' the iconic doll's journey from plastic to human is not just a plot device. It is a philosophical exploration of identity, authenticity, and self-determination. Barbie's decision to become human symbolizes her rejection of artificial perfection and her embrace of the beautiful complexities of humanity.

As Barbie steps into her new life, she carries with her the lessons from her odyssey — the courage to challenge norms, the resilience to endure adversity, and the willingness to embrace life's imperfections. In doing so, 'Barbie' delivers a potent narrative that is both refreshingly original and deeply resonant, turning a plastic doll's journey into a profound meditation on what it truly means to be human.