Shakira Thinks the “Barbie” Movie Is Emasculating — Here’s How She Missed the Point

Famed singer Shakira, renowned for her feminist inclination and voice, recently made headlines with her controversial take on the “Barbie” movie. Her claim that the film is “emasculating” has sparked abundant debates. This article aims to dissect Shakira’s viewpoint and illustrate an alternate perspective on the movie’s portrayal of gender roles.

Shakira – A Feminist Icon

Shakira, a globally recognized musician, has been a beacon of female empowerment. Following her split with her long-term partner, Gerard Piqué, she transformed her personal pain into a universal triumph. Her recent album, “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,” stands as a testament to her strength and independence.

Shakira’s Feminist Stance:

• Long-term partner: Gerard Piqué
• Recent album: “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran”

However, her latest interview with Allure unveiled a surprising viewpoint on the “Barbie” movie, a pop culture pillar commonly associated with feminist values.

Shakira’s Controversial Take on “Barbie” Movie

Shakira expressed that her sons “absolutely hated” the “Barbie” movie, finding it “emasculating.” She stated her preference for pop culture to empower women without depriving men of their masculinity. This controversial take has been met with both agreement and dissent.

Shakira’s View on “Barbie” Movie:

• Sons’ reaction: “absolutely hated”
• Perceived issue: “emasculating”

While Shakira’s dislike for the movie doesn’t lessen her feminist stance, her opinion aligns with a vocal minority, including some men and right-wing politicians.

A Different Perspective on “Barbie” Movie

Disagreeing with Shakira’s notion, the “Barbie” movie can be perceived as a nuanced message rather than a mere attempt to belittle men. The film’s script, crafted by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, deserves a thorough examination.

“Barbie” Movie’s Creators:

• Scriptwriters: Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach

The movie doesn’t aimlessly portray men as superficial characters. Instead, it focuses on their role as victims of Barbieland’s matriarchy, a system that ironically places women in all significant societal roles, much like a patriarchy.

Analyzing Men’s Roles in “Barbie” Movie

The Kens, male characters in the movie, are robbed of any real agency. They are merely portrayed as eye candies, reflecting the suppression of their potential by the matriarchy. However, this scenario is meant to parallel the struggles women face in real life under patriarchy, showcasing a poignant commentary on societal value.

Men’s Roles in “Barbie” Movie:

• Portrayal: Eye candies
• Suppressed by: Barbieland’s matriarchy

Unveiling the Irony of Patriarchy

The movie illustrates the destructive nature of patriarchy, not only for women but also for the men it empowers. By adopting patriarchy, the Kens confine themselves to rigid masculine criteria, gaining power but losing their individuality.

Irony of Patriarchy:

• Gains: Power
• Loss: Individuality

Shakira’s desire for her sons to feel powerful while respecting women is indeed the message the movie ends on. The Kens finally get to choose their societal roles, focusing on their desires rather than the Barbies’ needs.

Addressing the “Emasculation” Concern

The claim of the movie “emasculating” men may seem valid at first glance. However, the portrayal of Kens having “beach” as a job is an allegorical depiction of the loss of agency under oppression. The uproar it caused is indeed telling.

“Emasculation” in “Barbie” Movie:

• Allegorical depiction: Loss of agency
• Uproar: Revealing societal tendencies

Recognizing Narrative Plurality

Narrative plurality, the existence of varied roles and perspectives for a particular group in media, is a privilege often enjoyed by men. From the “John Wick” series to “Game of Thrones” and “Dune,” men have been portrayed in multiple lights.

Narrative Plurality Examples:

1. “John Wick”: A killing machine who loves dogs
2. “Game of Thrones”: A neglected child outsmarting empires
3. “Dune”: A reluctant savior becoming a messiah

Despite this, one movie portraying men or the Kens as superficial accessories competing for a woman’s affection seemingly undoes all positive depictions. This reaction urges the consideration of the impact of negative portrayals of women and people of color on screen.

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