The Impact of Barbie

From a very early age, women are taught to look, act, think, and speak a certain way to be accepted into society. This conditioning begins in childhood, where girls are often encouraged to embody traditional feminine traits such as kindness, gentleness, and compliance. These expectations are reinforced through various societal channels, including family dynamics, educational settings, media portrayals, and cultural narratives. As young girls navigate their formative years, they are frequently exposed to messages that dictate not only how they should present themselves but also how they should interact with others and perceive their own identities.

The notion that women must perform for a world that often sets unattainable standards creates a deeply ingrained sense of inadequacy. We're raised with the misconception that the bar of acceptance is perpetually rising, making it feel as though no matter how hard we strive, we can never truly reach it. This relentless pursuit of an idealized version of ourselves fosters a mindset where we are constantly measuring our worth against arbitrary benchmarks established by societal norms. The pressure to conform can lead to feelings of frustration and disillusionment, as the ideal is not only subjective but also ever-changing.

In this environment, women often find themselves engaged in a continuous battle against their insecurities. The internal dialogue becomes a harsh critic, urging them to fix perceived flaws and shortcomings. This cycle of self-scrutiny can manifest in various ways, from obsessive comparisons with peers to a relentless focus on physical appearance, academic achievements, or professional success. The emphasis on perfectionism can be exhausting, leading many to feel as though they are on a treadmill of self-improvement that never allows them to pause and appreciate their own accomplishments or inherent value.

Moreover, this never-ending cycle is compounded by external influences that perpetuate unrealistic ideals. Social media platforms, for instance, often showcase curated images of success and beauty that can distort reality. The constant exposure to filtered lives and achievements can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, as individuals may perceive themselves as falling short in comparison to the seemingly flawless lives of others. This digital landscape, while offering opportunities for connection, can also deepen the sense of isolation and self-doubt.

As a result, many women find themselves working endlessly to fix these insecurities, investing time and energy into self-improvement efforts that can sometimes feel futile. The pressure to conform to societal expectations does not merely affect individual self-esteem but can also impact mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction. The cycle becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the more one strives to meet societal standards, the more elusive those standards become.

In conclusion, the societal expectations placed on women create a complex web of challenges that can hinder personal growth and self-acceptance. The journey toward self-discovery and empowerment is often fraught with obstacles, as women navigate a world that frequently demands conformity over authenticity. Breaking free from this cycle requires not only individual reflection and resilience but also a collective effort to challenge and redefine the standards of acceptance that have long dictated women's roles in society. By fostering an environment that celebrates diversity and authenticity, we can begin to dismantle the unrealistic expectations that have been ingrained in us from a young age, allowing women to embrace their true selves without the burden of constant performance.

But we can change this, and one of the major moments to influence and impact society as a whole was done by the release of Barbie in 2023. This movie inspired and empowered many women across the globe, and led us in a step in the right direction.

"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."

-America Ferrera's Monologue, written by Greta Gerwig for Barbie (2023)

America Ferrera in Barbie

This impactful speech perfectly captured the experience of being a woman in today's world. Witnessing this scene on the big screen, surrounded by many other women, created an unforgettable moment. Its influence was evident globally and across social media, as countless girls shared their experiences and celebrated 'Barbie summer'. The color pink became ubiquitous, redefined as a symbol of power. Women felt recognized and comforted in ways previously unseen in Hollywood..

However, a single movie won't bring about the change that is so desperately needed in society. While it may serve as a powerful catalyst for conversation and reflection, its purpose was to inspire others to take action and make a tangible difference in their communities. The film aims to encourage individuals, organizations, and movements to continue striving to empower and uplift women from all walks of life, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, or cultural background. It highlights the importance of solidarity among women and emphasizes that the journey toward equality and empowerment is a collective one. Ultimately, as women, we are all united in this effort, standing shoulder to shoulder, supporting one another in our shared goals and aspirations. It is through collective action, advocacy, and a commitment to change that we can create a lasting impact. By fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and mobilizing resources, we can build a stronger foundation for future generations of women, ensuring that the strides we make today resonate far beyond the screen and into the fabric of our society.

If you haven't watched this movie yet, I strongly suggest you do. Even if you have seen it but didn't fully understand its deeper message, it's worth watching again. Everyone should see this film at least once, including men, because it's more than just a frivolous movie about a Barbie doll. It perfectly captures the challenges of being a woman in today's world. Let it motivate you to make a difference in the lives of those around you, even if the changes are minor. This movie is one of the reasons I'm writing this today. Small changes are significant; don't let anyone convince you otherwise. The world needs strong and influential women to uplift and inspire others, one person at a time. Don't wait for change; be the change.