The 2023 Barbie and Post-feminism: Narrative in Hollywood Movie Industry
Abstract
Barbie has been a subject of both praise and criticism when it comes to feminism. After the release of the live-action film Barbie in 2023, the discussion of gender identity was triggered. This article analyzes the relationship between Barbie dolls and Hollywood movies focusing on post-modern women's self-identity through the body. Barbie is regarded as a cultural symbol of the male gaze body design that solidifies gender stereotypes. The 2023 Barbie encourages women to identify with themselves and their bodies, from which they can feel the strength and charm of women and understand the complexity and diversity of culture. First, this work will briefly discuss the effect of Barbie brand image in the introduction. Secondly, this article will do an analysis of the leading roles in the movie and connect them with the genderized dilemma that most modern females are facing. Then, the development of Barbie images, their inverse relationships with feminist ideologies, and the underlying consumerism ideas in the Mettel brand industry will be further discussed. Finally, the core logic behind the male gaze and patriarchy will be combined and presented.
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