by Ram ben Ze'ev
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of revamping classic stories and characters to fit into a more contemporary and socially conscious narrative. The latest addition to this trend is the highly anticipated Barbie movie, which seeks to bring a modern spin to the iconic doll's story. While embracing progressive values and inclusivity is essential, the new Barbie movie has faced criticism for its overt wokeness, raising questions about the balance between social messaging and the essence of beloved characters.
Barbie, the quintessential fashion doll, has been a symbol of beauty and empowerment for generations of young girls. However, the creators of the new Barbie movie have taken it upon themselves to rewrite her story with a heavy emphasis on social issues, leading some to question if this is the right direction for a beloved character.
One of the central critiques of the new Barbie movie is its portrayal of the protagonist as a "woke" character, constantly vocal about social justice issues. While promoting activism and standing up for one's beliefs is commendable, this characterization may come across as forced and unnatural, taking away from the timeless charm of the Barbie we know and love. Instead of focusing on her diverse interests and passions, the new Barbie is portrayed as a crusader, with her personal identity overshadowed by her activism.
Moreover, the new Barbie movie exhibits an abundance of tokenism. The filmmakers seem eager to check off boxes of diversity without fully developing characters or exploring their backgrounds. A character's race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation should not be reduced to a mere checkbox on a list; it should be an integral part of their identity and story. By tokenizing characters, the movie risks alienating audiences and undermining the importance of genuine representation.
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In the quest for wokeness, the new Barbie movie also revisits the historical context of the Barbie doll itself. Critics argue that it is anachronistic to impose modern-day values and beliefs onto a character that was originally created in the 1950s. While it is essential to teach young audiences about historical contexts, it can be done without compromising the integrity of the character. By retrofitting a modern worldview onto a character from a different era, the movie loses its sense of authenticity and becomes more of a reflection of current social trends.
Furthermore, the new Barbie movie's insistence on redefining traditional gender roles comes across as heavy-handed. Barbie has always been a symbol of female empowerment, showcasing that women can have fulfilling careers, pursue education, and break barriers.
However, the movie takes it a step further by explicitly questioning and subverting traditional notions of femininity and masculinity. While questioning gender norms can be an essential aspect of modern storytelling, the new Barbie movie might inadvertently alienate the very audience it seeks to empower.
Another critical aspect of the movie that has garnered attention is the heavy reliance on virtue signaling. Virtue signaling, the act of publicly expressing one's moral values for validation, has become increasingly prevalent in contemporary media. The new Barbie movie seems to prioritize signaling its progressive credentials over telling a compelling story. This could result in the story feeling hollow and contrived, missing the opportunity to truly inspire and connect with the audience.
To address these concerns, filmmakers should strike a delicate balance between social messaging and the integrity of the characters. Barbie can be a role model for young audiences by showcasing determination, resilience, and self-belief without overtly pushing modern social issues into the narrative. By building a well-rounded character with diverse interests and passions, the movie can inspire young audiences to be true to themselves and follow their dreams.
In conclusion, the new Barbie movie's attempt at wokeness has been met with mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike. While celebrating diversity and addressing social issues is crucial, it should not overshadow the core essence of beloved characters like Barbie.
By avoiding tokenism, historical anachronisms, and virtue signaling, the film can genuinely empower audiences and leave a lasting impact. In this era of heightened social consciousness, it is essential for filmmakers to tread carefully and ensure that their narratives resonate authentically with audiences of all ages.
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue