Barbie is an icon that has won the hearts of women from across generations. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Greta Gerwig’s 2023 release of the Barbie movie was a hit among moms and their daughters.
The film took fans on a fuchsia-tinted trip down childhood nostalgia as they relived their yesteryears in Dreamhouse. Besides the parade of pink and the fantastic display of life in plastic, it offered relevant lessons for life and beyond. Here are some self-confidence tips you can live by, inspired by Barbie and friends.
1. Don’t Let Responsibilities Dictate Your Worth
The film opens with a scene that parodies the dawn of man in 2001: A Space Odyssey, where girls are playing with baby dolls. The prelude takes viewers to Barbie’s eminent arrival, and so comes the birth of the modern doll. Barbie then takes the form of a kaleidoscope of roles: an astronaut, a nurse, a gym-goer. You get the picture.
Fast-forward to present day, women take on titles that break barriers and transcend expectations. Women today wear many hats – the sole provider, the family project manager, etc. As the narrator in the movie put it, Barbie is all these women. And all these women are Barbie.
In real life, the idea of gender roles constantly switching is no new concept. But falling short of being extraordinary can leave you wondering if you should be trying harder to keep up. Thinking if you need to choose between career or family to thrive? Well, you can have either one or both. You can do anything, but you don’t have to do everything.
2. Find Your Tribe
With the Kens’ takeover of Barbie Land, the Barbies pool efforts to reclaim what’s rightfully theirs. You may not be under the threat of a Mojo Dojo Casa House mutiny, but for most women today, the going can get just as tough. In such cases, never underestimate the power of your girl gang. When you find yourself falling prey to negative self-talk, find perspective served fresh by your gal pals.
Amid the busyness of life, sometimes it’s hard to find time to maintain friendships. But always make time to put yourself out there. Join a support group. Give in to your coworkers’ invites once and for all and grab a bite after hours. Once you find friends who resonate with your vibe, work hard to keep your tribe.
3. Embrace Your Identity
A study from Perspectives on Psychological Science describes the Pinocchio Complex as observable behaviours a person has that may differ from the truth. Pinocchio and the characters in the Barbie movie found themselves in a similar spot of bother. Denying their identity as dolls kept them from living their dreams as real people.
Instead of being boxed in by the world’s “packaging,” embrace your individuality. There’s nothing more empowering than shaping your uniqueness instead of fitting into a cookie-cutter mould. Don’t be afraid to take risks, but go at your own pace. Whether it’s your bold fashion choices or a major decision like moving to another country, own it. Only when you break free from the pressures of society (and social media!) can you be your most authentic self.
4. Cut Yourself Some Slack
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly for the Barbie movie, Gerwig described Weird Barbie as the one that got played with a little too much: “You’d brush out her hair and then you decided you want to cut it, then you’d see what happens if you light it on fire and draw all over her face.” Weird Barbie portrayed the fate of all dolls in a way that was funny and wise.
You, too, can feel burned out because you were overplayed with by life itself. You may feel like you’re drowning in work, relationships, or other responsibilities that seem to pile up as the years go by. And when you’re overwhelmed and strung out, it’s easy for your confidence to take a dip.
Sounds familiar? Allow yourself the luxury of taking breaks now and then. It doesn’t even have to be grand. Small acts of self-care can be as simple as spending an extra minute in the shower.
5. Call the Shots
Ruth Handler, Mattel co-founder, said that Barbie represented the fact that a woman always has choices. But sometimes, it may seem like you’ve lost control of the wheel. Or maybe your life feels like someone else planned it out because of the circumstances you’re in. Remember: No matter what hand you’re dealing with, you can and you should take the reins and steer towards your own path.
Burned out from dealing with a toxic coworker? Put your foot down and stand up for yourself. Haven’t had time to work on your self-improvement goals? Take charge today. Sign up for that programming class you’ve been meaning to take. Learn that TikTok dance trend. Get your dream smile makeover by heading to your dentist and asking about ClearCorrect dental aligners. Do what you need to do for yourself. You’re in control!
Beyond the dazzling display of candy colours and choreography, there are deeper layers the Barbie movie manages to unpack. It presents themes relevant to every woman in battle cries sung throughout theatrics and glossy gleam. Remember that you don’t always have to have it all figured out. Today might not be your best day ever. But you can be the best version of yourself to get through it all.
References:
Luke, T. J. (2019). Lessons from Pinocchio: Cues to deception may be highly exaggerated. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 14(4), 646–671.
Wang, J. (2023, September 12). Weird Barbie was inspired by David Bowie — and hairless cats. EW.com.
