Depleted by The Hustle Culture
Pedestals are all the craze
in vogue for Barbies in transience
if mermaids can make it this far
they’ll make of her a superstar–
a pageant of praise and merriment,
or make of her an embarrassment
© selma
I did not watch the movie, Barbie, but saw a clip on Instagram (I think) and
was impressed with what one character, whose name I just found out was Gloria, said.
“We have to always be extraordinary, but somehow
we’re always doing it wrong.” ~ Gloria in the movie, Barbie
Director: Greta Gerwig
My post today is based on what Gloria said: but I dare say that sometimes we,
ourselves, raise the bar too high for ourselves and other women. Unhealthy.
(like asking of a Mermaid to leave her waters and to appear in the marshland or else…)
By showing extremes of conventional masculinity and femininity through Barbieland and Kendom,
Gerwig exposes the fact that neither is healthy. True humanity exists in between this binary, for
everyone. That said, the Real World is a little more like Kendom than Barbieland, so it’s worth
investing time, energy, and money in the success of women.
Womanhood is a constant balance of contradictions, and recognizing that is empowering.
Gloria spends several minutes exposing the double standards that exist for women, and, in turn, for
representations of women like Barbie. Between the expectations to be thin but not too thin, enthusiastic
about motherhood but not too enthusiastic, “healthy” but only if it presents itself externally, strong but
uncomplaining, ambitious but humble, and so much more, identifying as a woman is seriously hard. It is
only after Gloria makes this speech that the Barbies snap out of their Kendom trance to save Barbieland.
My Source:
I hope you liked what Sadje’s WDYS prompt photo inspired in the short poem.
Blessings everyone.
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I like where you went with this poem Selma. I haven’t seen the movie either so your explanation helped me understand it much better. Thanks for joining in.
It’s my pleasure. Always. Thanks for the prompt. Glad you enjoyed my take on it. Bless you dear Sadje
Many thanks dear friend 💖
Love your take Selma !
So happy you do dear Maggie. Thanks
My pleasure Selma xo
I think all our childhood representatives set the bar too high. Well said.
They did, didn’t they… but why did we follow the craziness. It must stop. Thanks VJ. Things need to change. But not to the OTHER extreme. That too is unhealthy. Be well. Good night from me.
I actually loved the movie! I had low expectations, but it was funny, touching, and had powerful messages
I’m so glad to hear your feelings on the movie. I haven’t watched. I’m glad it’s done so well at the box office and glad it brings good message. Thanks. Will let you know if I watch it. Good night dear Beth. Have a good day.
A great thought-provoking poem. Have not watched the movie but her words have made me to think. Thank you for sharing this post.
Kritika so happy the post provoked your thinker. It’s my pleasure indeed. They say it’s a great movie. Let me know if you watch it. Bless you. Good night. 😴
Sure, would let you know. Happy New Day!
It’s not always that the expectations are too high, but what they are focused on. I have yet to see the movie, but it has been recommended.
What one focuses one’s attention on is a sure perspective turner. You are so right. It’s the things people values…
I appreciate you reading and commenting, Heather. Bless you. Good night. 🤗
Good one Selma. The monologue by Gloria is really good too.
It grabbed my attention. And the actress, America, delivered the lines so perfectly. Not surprised. America is a stellar actress. And the words were soooo good.
It impressed me much.
Thanks for reading my friend. Good night from me. And you have a good day? Or goodnight too? Not sure. 🤗
Ahh same here. When I saw the video of her monologue, I was in awe. She’s a great actress definitely. Good day and night hehe
I agree, extraordinary is in all of our dreams.
I only have a few things from my childhood… I don’t think I ever had a Barbie…though I knew some who did.
Women seem to have to live in a man’s world, even when you have women for bosses…
The Barbie Movie is not on my radar. I’m glad it had some good lessons though. Nice verse and post.