Barbie, burnout, and me: can we forget the marketing and just watch the movie?

I forgot what Barbie meant. To me.

As a child, she was the perfect outlet for my overstimulated imagination. Barbie was a tool I used to create stories and scenarios that weren’t possible in the real world – not because she looked ‘perfect’ (she wasn’t perfect to me because she couldn’t bend or blink) but because she was a conduit, bridging real with imaginary.

While some may dismiss her as a shallow, plastic plaything, Barbie has had a significant impact on the lives of her young owners. From promoting gender equality to encouraging creativity and imagination, Barbie has proven, time and time again, that she’s more than just a pretty face.

We've had a long relationship with Barbie since she first hit the shelves in 1959. For over six decades, Barbie has been a constant presence. She's held countless careers, gone on countless adventures, and been owned by countless children throughout the world.

She's ‘officially’ been everything from an educator to a therapist. For me, sometimes she was a queen, or a fighter, or a film star. At one point I distinctly remember her being a vampire. She was all the things I wanted to explore. She was an extension of me, acting out my thoughts and feelings, but not someone I wished to be like.

Burnout and Barbie

This morning, I was thumbing through a book called The Anxiety Survival Guide and came across a quote attributed to Michael Gungor: “Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long.”

After my recent failed attempt to disconnect and take some annual leave (because I was feeling burnt out), I thought to myself, that’s a good one, but I moved on and carried on with my day, not processing what that quote meant.

But Barbie, of all things, made the quote hit home. 30 minutes ago, I finished watching Greta Gerwig’s movie. I was not prepared for how this film would kick me straight in the not-so-smooth parts, reminding me how damaging it is when we try to avoid the hard parts of being a human for too long.

For all the talk about misrepresentation and toxic stereotypes, Barbie never failed women; we failed ourselves, limiting our own view of what’s possible in life and culture. We put obstacles in our way (on top of those we didn’t put there).

Barbie wasn’t created to show us how to comfort. She was created for the opposite; to show us our own limitless potential. We chose to become cynical and jaded and gloss over what Barbie was meant to represent.

Barbie means more than ever

Barbie has been a popular toy for over six decades. She’s always been a symbol of empowerment, breaking traditional gender roles and stereotypes. With Barbie's endless career possibilities and diverse range of skin tones, body types, and abilities, she represents inclusivity and encourages children to dream big.

Her meaning has been interpreted differently by each generation. While I personally didn’t feel it, some millennials felt they grew up with Barbie as the ultimate representation of femininity and beauty standards. As they entered adulthood, they saw Barbie’s limitations and the negative impact her image could have on young girls.

Gen Z, meanwhile, was raised with diversity and inclusivity at the forefront of conversations. For them, Barbie's evolution to reflect different backgrounds and body types is expected and necessary. They connect with her as a symbol of progress and acceptance. While Barbie has remained a constant presence in the toy industry, her significance to each generation continues to evolve.

Today, with social justice and equality important topics of discussion, her role has become even more crucial. She promotes self-confidence and individuality, and reinforces the idea that everyone deserves representation, empowering generations of children.

Barbie was more than just a doll; she has represented limitless possibilities for young girls. For many, she was a window into fashion, adventure, and career choices. As we grew older, we may have dismissed her as a relic of the past. But it’s never too late to reconnect with Barbie's message of empowerment. Rediscover the power of Barbie by exploring her diverse professions, her endless fashion choices, and her commitment to inspire girls to dream big. As you delve into the world of Barbie once more, you may be surprised at how much you can learn from her. Barbie may be a toy, but her message is timeless: you can be whoever you want to be.

We’re human and it’s hard, but that’s OK

The movie may seem like an unlikely platform for a poignant message about the human experience, but that's exactly what it is. With a focus on human struggles, Gerwig’s film is a stark reminder that life isn't always easy. But rather than succumbing to despair, it encourages us to embrace these challenges as a natural part of the journey. It's a refreshing message in a world that often encourages us to put on a brave face and pretend everything is perfect. This movie promises to be much more than just a children's film; it's a wake-up call for all of us.

It has left many viewers with important takeaways about acting with empathy and grace, of being kind to one another, and the power of our actions to positively impact the world. One particularly poignant scene sees actress America Ferrera highlighting the importance of embracing diversity and accepting others for who they are. Through her emotional portrayal, Ferrera teaches us that we can all play a role in making our world more inclusive and accepting. Our actions truly matter, and we can make a difference to those around us.

Barbie has been an icon of strength and resilience for generations; Gerwig's film reminds us that it’s not only OK to be human – it’s essential. Until we learn to accept our undeniable humanity, we may never know the true beauty and grace of our unique identity. It’s with the hope of better understanding ourselves through later generations that we can rediscover Barbie’s power.