Why is Sasha mean to Barbie?
"Barbie," the movie that has sparked an immense amount of conversation and debate recently, has quite a unique collection of characters that serve to highlight and confront societal issues. Sasha, the teenage owner of the Stereotypical Barbie doll, is one of such characters that has left a lasting impression on viewers. Although initially presented as a seemingly dismissive teen, Sasha's journey and attitude towards Barbie provide a crucial lens into the struggles of feminism and societal expectations for young women today.
When we first meet Sasha, she seems to be a typical teenager, engaged in her social life and school activities. The Barbie dolls from her childhood are long forgotten, treated with a mixture of apathy and mild amusement. Indeed, when confronted with the fact that her Barbie has come to life, her initial reaction is not wonder or joy, but mockery. She laughs at the absurdity of the situation, reinforcing the notion that Barbies are nothing more than toys. The laughter of Sasha and her friends at the sight of a life-sized Barbie feels like a mirror reflecting the ridicule often directed at women who conform to the stereotypical "Barbie" image—beautiful, but not to be taken seriously.
However, as the plot unfolds, we see a transformation in Sasha's perspective. This change becomes more apparent after she learns that her mother, Gloria, a Mattel employee, has been projecting her midlife crisis onto Sasha's Barbie dolls. As a teenager, Sasha is caught in a societal shift where the traditional roles and expectations of women are being challenged. Gloria's crisis is a stark representation of the burdens of these expectations. Witnessing her mother's struggles, Sasha begins to understand the complexities of the issue, which subsequently influences her attitude towards Barbie.
The shift in Sasha's perspective is not a sudden revelation but a gradual process, making it all the more realistic. Sasha's growth mimics the stages many young women go through as they begin to recognize the patriarchal structures surrounding them. First, there's dismissiveness, then confusion, and eventually, understanding and action. Sasha's journey isn't just about changing her attitude towards Barbie—it's about her evolving comprehension of the broader social dynamics at play.
As the movie progresses, Sasha becomes less of a mocking observer and more of an active participant in Barbie's world. When the Stereotypical Barbie is almost captured by the Mattel CEO and his subordinates, Sasha, alongside her mother, steps in to rescue Barbie. It's a powerful moment, showcasing Sasha's transformation from a critical teenager to a defender of Barbie's rights.
This moment is pivotal not just for Barbie, but for Sasha as well. Her transition signifies her understanding of Barbie as more than a plastic doll—Barbie, for all her pink and glitter, represents an ideal that women are constantly expected to live up to. Sasha's decision to help Barbie could be interpreted as her acceptance of the complexities of the feminine identity and the willingness to fight against the unfair standards imposed on it.
The film ends with Sasha and her family taking Barbie, now a human named Barbara Roberts, to a gynecologist. It's a strangely normal moment amidst the whirlwind of surreal events, symbolizing Barbie's transition into a real woman's world. This inclusion of Sasha in Barbie's journey reflects the intertwining of their paths. Sasha’s evolution as a character plays a critical role in Stereotypical Barbie's own transformation. Their journey together underscores the film's commentary on the societal pressures women face and the power of understanding and empathy to challenge and change those expectations.
In conclusion, Sasha's character arc in "Barbie" offers a profound exploration of how young women navigate their understanding of societal norms and expectations. Her evolution from dismissive to understanding signifies her growing awareness of the complexities of women's roles in society. Through her interactions with Barbie, Sasha personifies the struggle and eventual empowerment of a generation caught between rigid traditional expectations and the evolving ideals of feminism. In doing so, "Barbie" elevates Sasha from a teenage girl mocking her old toys to a young woman actively participating in and influencing the societal dialogue on gender roles and feminism.
