The Barbie movie is a combination of nostalgia, imagination, real life, and marketing.

I went to The Barbie movie for nostalgic reasons. I was definitely a Barbie girl with the dream house, townhouse, corvette, and pool with cabana, original Barbie, Ken, and Christie (pic for reference- not all Barbie things were pink back in the day). Today I literally live in the townhouse with the pool. Ironic or pre-paved? Who knows (no Ken or Corvette so far – although I did test drive one once). Sometimes I feel like I’m being moved around like a Barbie in my life (another observation for another time, and I do love my golf outfits).

Patriarchy and Feminism

The Barbie movie was cute, humorous and had some really poignant messages about patriarchy and feminism (that’s a fine balance, and it’s done with cleverness).  Hat tip to the writers, directors, producers, and actors.

I respect the scene where Barbie apologizes to Ken for taking him for granted and encourages him to find himself.

This quote from Rhea Perlman, who portrays Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie, spoke to me, too (and likely every person who has an amazing mother championing your dreams). 

“We mothers stand still so our daughters can look back to see how far they have come.”

Mic drop.

The infamous Barbie movie monologue by Gloria, played by America Ferrera.

“It is literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough. Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow we’re always doing it wrong.

You have to be thin, but not too thin. And you can never say you want to be thin. You have to say you want to be healthy, but also you have to be thin. You have to have money, but you can’t ask for money because that’s crass. You have to be a boss, but you can’t be mean. You have to lead, but you can’t squash other people’s ideas. You’re supposed to love being a mother, but don’t talk about your kids all the damn time. You have to be a career woman, but also always be looking out for other people. You have to answer for men’s bad behavior, which is insane, but if you point that out, you’re accused of complaining. You’re supposed to stay pretty for men, but not so pretty that you tempt them too much or that you threaten other women because you’re supposed to be a part of the sisterhood. But always stand out and always be grateful. But never forget that the system is rigged. So find a way to acknowledge that but also always be grateful. You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line. It’s too hard! It’s too contradictory and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you! And it turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also everything is your fault.

I’m just so tired of watching myself and every single other woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us. And if all of that is also true for a doll just representing women, then I don’t even know.“~ Gloria (America Ferrera).

I know so many brilliant women who still don’t feel like they are enough and are far too hard on themselves (me included at times)…it’s time to unwind that programming.

To the skeptics, go see the movie. Enjoy a few laughs and let Barbie expand your horizons.

Did YOU the Barbie Movie?

What are your takeaways?

P.S.  Pay special attention to the marketing surrounding this movie. It was done brilliantly, and you’ll continue to see some surprising things unfold.  You might also want to check out this special deal on the Marketing With integrity program.  Click here to get the full details about the Marketing With Integrity program, and use this coupon code –MESSENGER200 –  to instantly save $200.00 and get the program for only $97, or, click this button to purchase.