Theme the evolution of barbie from a doll to a cultural icon

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE HA NOI LAW UNIVERSITY

SEMESTER ASSIGNMENT

SUBJECT: ADVANCED LISTENING AND SPEAKING SKILLS

Ha Noi, 2024

BIÊN BẢN XÁC ĐỊNH MỨC ĐỘ THAM GIA VÀ KẾT QUẢ THAMGIA LÀM BÀI TẬP NHÓM

Ngày: 08/03/2024 Địa điểm: Trường Đại học Luật Hà Nội

Tổng số thành viên của nhóm: 05 Có mặt: 05 Vắng mặt: 0 Tên bài tập: Bài tập nhóm môn kĩ năng nghe – nói nâng cao

Chủ đề: “The evolution of Barbie from a doll to a cultural icon”

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I The creators of Barbie 2

1 Ruth Handler and the Birth of Barbie 2

2 Greta Gerwig and Barbie's Cinematic Journey 2

II The evolution of Barbie 3

1 The concept of Barbie 3

2 How Barbie empowers women to be authentic 4

3 Insights from Barbie 6

3.1 Women's Professional Journeys Through the Lens of Barbie 6

3.2 Different generations of feminists can find common ground 7

REFERENCES 10

The journey of Barbie, from a simple toy to a globally recognized cultural icon, mirrors the evolving landscape of societal norms and gender roles over the decades This evolution is not just about the transformation of a doll but reflects a broader narrative of empowerment, challenges, and aspirations that resonate across generations of women and feminists At the heart of Barbie's story is the vision of its creator, Ruth Handler, who saw in Barbie not just a doll but a vessel for dreams and possibilities Handler's pioneering spirit, coupled with the innovative storytelling of filmmakers like Greta Gerwig, has allowed Barbie to transcend her origins, becoming a canvas for discussions about identity, ambition, and the complexities of the female experience in both professional and personal worlds.

I The creators of Barbie1 Ruth Handler and the Birth of Barbie

Barbie, the doll, was created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, Inc., an American toy company The idea for Barbie materialized as Ruth observed her daughter, Barbara, engaging in pretend play with paper dolls These observations led to an epiphany: there was a significant gap in the market for a doll that offered children the ability to project their future selves Despite initial skepticism, Ruth's persistence led to the creation of Barbie, introduced at the American Toy Fair in New York City on March 9, 1959 (Giacomin, V., & Lubinski, C (2023).1 Barbie was not merely a doll; she was a canvas on which generations of children would paint their aspirations.

Ruth Handler's legacy extends beyond the creation of Barbie She broke through the glass ceiling in a male-dominated industry, setting a precedent for future generations of women in business (Handler, R (2013)2 Her vision for Barbie was rooted in empowerment, aiming to inspire children to explore limitless possibilities.

2 Greta Gerwig and Barbie's Cinematic Journey

Fast forward to the 21st century, Barbie's influence transcended toy shelves, making a significant leap onto the big screen, under the directorial vision of Greta Gerwig Known for her storytelling and compelling character-driven narratives, Gerwig was an intriguing choice to bring Barbie to life in a live-action format Partnering with Noah Baumbach, Gerwig embarked on a journey to reimagine Barbie in a contemporary context, blending nostalgia with modern sensibilities3 (Lubis, A P (2024).

Greta Gerwig's approach to the Barbie movie was not merely about adaptation but an exploration of the cultural and social significance of Barbie Through her lens, Barbie's world became a platform to discuss identity, freedom, and the complexities of

1Giacomin, V., & Lubinski, C (2023) Entrepreneurship as emancipation: Ruth Handler and the

entrepreneurial process ‘in time’and ‘over time’, 1930s–1980s Business History, 1-28.

2 Handler, R (2013) the Barbie Doll (I959—) 100 People Who Changed 20th-Century America [2 volumes]:[2volumes], 335.

3 Lubis, A P (2024) Exploring masculinities in Barbie (2023) directed by Greta Gerwig Lililacs Journal: English Literature, Language, and Cultural Studies Journal, 4(1), 26-39.

living in a world that often seeks to define us According to Houghton et al (2024), Gerwig's Barbie is a testament to the doll's enduring relevance, demonstrating that Barbie continues to inspire conversations about personal and societal aspirations4.

The bridge between Ruth Handler and Greta Gerwig is built on the foundation of innovation and storytelling While Handler introduced a toy that allowed children to dream of future possibilities, Gerwig expanded on this vision, inviting not only children but also adults to reflect on the essence of those dreams in the real world The creator and the filmmaker, though separated by time, share a common goal: to inspire individuals to envision a world where the limitations of the present do not confine them.

II The evolution of Barbie1 The concept of Barbie

Barbie was introduced as "Barbie, the Teenage Fashion Model," and her adult physique and fashion-forward wardrobe were designed to inspire children to dream about what they could become as adults The doll was innovative not only for its adult appearance but also for the vast array of accessories and later, playsets that encouraged imaginative play in various scenarios, including but not limited to, career-oriented roles.

Barbie's idea transcends the mere concept of a toy She has become an iconic symbol of change and possibility, reflecting societal shifts and the evolving dreams of children and adults alike Barbie represents the idea that one can be anything they dream of, encapsulated in the brand's message, "You can be anything." This foundational concept has allowed Barbie to remain relevant and inspirational over decades, adapting to cultural, social, and educational shifts worldwide.

From her inception, Barbie has been a figure of both admiration and controversy Critics have pointed out her unrealistic body proportions and the potential impact on children’s body image and perceptions of gender roles as stated by Toffoletti, K (2007)5 Despite this, Mattel has made efforts to address these concerns

4 Houghton, R., Murray, C R G., & O'Donoghue, A (2024) Kenstituent Power: An exploration of feminist constitutional change in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie Feminist Theory.

5 Toffoletti, K (2007) Cyborgs and Barbie dolls: Feminism, popular culture and the posthuman body Bloomsbury Publishing.

by introducing Barbies with a variety of body types, ethnicities, careers, and abilities, aiming to promote diversity and inclusivity.

2 How Barbie empowers women to be authentic

Barbie's media presence, through its array of movies and animations, has significantly contributed to empowering women and girls by weaving narratives around diverse roles, challenging stereotypes, and celebrating themes of empowerment, self-discovery, and the importance of believing in oneself The examples of Barbie movies and animations listed below illustrate how these media forms serve as vehicles for promoting positive messages and inspiring viewers.

In "Barbie as Rapunzel" (2002), the story transcends the traditional fairy tale narrative by positioning Rapunzel as a character who leverages her creativity and independence to navigate through challenges Unlike the passive heroine often depicted in classic tales, Barbie's Rapunzel uses her artistic talents and quick thinking as tools for empowerment, showcasing that creativity can be a powerful means to effect change and assert one's agency.

"Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses" (2006) further explores the themes of individuality and the strength found in family bonds Each princess is portrayed with a unique personality and talent, emphasizing that diversity and personal strengths contribute to the collective power of the group This narrative encourages girls to embrace their distinct qualities and to understand that teamwork and respect for each other's differences can lead to overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

"Barbie: Princess Charm School" (2011) introduces viewers to Blair, a commoner who earns a spot in the prestigious Princess Charm School This story is a journey of self-discovery and transformation that underlines the idea that one's background does not define one's future Through determination, kindness, and learning, Blair demonstrates that with hard work and belief in oneself, it's possible to surpass expectations and achieve one's dreams, offering a powerful message of empowerment to its audience.

Furthermore, Barbie's media presence is notably distinct in its consistent emphasis on themes of female friendship and solidarity, setting it apart from many other narratives that often depict women in competition with each other This positive

portrayal of women supporting women is a cornerstone of Barbie's empowerment message.

For example, in "Barbie and the Diamond Castle" (2008), the story revolves around the unbreakable bond between two friends, Barbie and Teresa, who embark on a journey to save their newfound friend and the Diamond Castle Throughout their adventure, the theme of friendship, loyalty, and mutual support is central The characters demonstrate that through collaboration and trust in each other's strengths, they can overcome obstacles and adversaries This narrative contrasts sharply with stories that pit women against each other, instead celebrating the power of friendship and collective action.

Through such narratives, Barbie movies and animations not only entertain but also impart valuable lessons about the importance of fostering positive relationships with other women By showcasing characters who work together, respect each other's differences, and support one another's goals, Barbie's media reinforces the message that true empowerment comes from lifting each other up, not tearing each other down This emphasis on solidarity and support among women serves as an inspiring reminder of the strength found in unity and the positive impact of nurturing empowering relationships.

These narratives, woven into the fabric of Barbie's movies and animations, do not merely entertain; they serve as conduits for empowering messages By portraying Barbie and her friends as characters who face challenges with courage, embrace their individuality, and support one another, these stories inspire viewers to believe in their potential and to understand the importance of kindness, resilience, and self-belief Through its diverse and engaging content, Barbie's media continues to inspire generations of girls to dream bigger, look beyond societal constraints, and strive for a world where they can be anything they aspire to be.

Another milestone of Barbie is Greta Gerwig's involvement in the Barbie film, with Margot Robbie taking on the titular role This marks a significant evolution in how the iconic doll is represented in popular culture, particularly in terms of empowering women Gerwig, renowned for her feminist lens and the depth she brings to her characters and stories, is expected to infuse the Barbie narrative with themes of

self-discovery, empowerment, and the challenge of societal expectations (Benson-Allott, C (2023)6.

The diverse ensemble cast hints at a film that values diversity and representation, moving beyond the traditional Barbie mold to embrace a broader, more inclusive vision of femininity This diversity is not just a nod to inclusivity for its own sake but a bold statement on the myriad ways women can exist and excel in the world By showcasing a range of experiences and identities, the film aims to resonate with a wide audience, offering multiple points of connection and identification.

Moreover, Gerwig's Barbie is anticipated to challenge and subvert the gender stereotypes that have long been associated with the doll The film is expected to critique and dismantle the notion that women must conform to a specific mold to be valued or successful Through a narrative rich in adventure, humor, and perhaps even satire, Barbie's story will likely encourage viewers to question and break free from the confines of traditional gender roles, empowering them to define success and happiness on their terms.

Another critical aspect the movie is poised to explore could be the elusive work-life balance, highlighting the disproportionate expectations placed on women to excel in their careers while managing domestic responsibilities Through Barbie's journey, the film has the potential to spark conversations about the societal structures that perpetuate this imbalance and the collective action required to redefine norms for a more equitable distribution of household duties.

3 Insights from Barbie

3.1 Women's Professional Journeys Through the Lens of Barbie

The narrative might also shed light on the nuanced experiences of women navigating professional spaces, from the microaggressions to the overt discrimination that can mar their career progression By chronicling Barbie’s resilience in the face of such challenges, the movie could offer insight into the strategies women employ to assert their presence and value in the workplace, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth and leadership.

6 Benson-Allott, C (2023) Greta Gerwig’s Girlhood Trilogy Film Quarterly, 77(2), 67-72.

Importantly, the Barbie movie under Gerwig's direction could underscore the significance of mentorship and solidarity among women in professional settings By depicting strong, supportive networks that empower women to break glass ceilings and achieve their aspirations, the film reinforces the message that collective empowerment is key to individual and shared success.

Ultimately, this Barbie movie is anticipated to be a vibrant tapestry of empowerment, self-actualization, and the celebration of women’s achievements and aspirations It stands to not only reflect the ongoing struggles and triumphs of women in the workplace but also inspire viewers to envision a world where gender no longer dictates one's professional journey 7Through Barbie's myriad careers and experiences, Gerwig has the opportunity to craft a narrative that resonates with the realities of women’s lives today, making the iconic doll a beacon of empowerment and possibility in the modern world.

Women have the capacity for boundless achievements, and acknowledging the fatigue that can accompany this fact is perfectly valid At the beginning of Barbie, the many talented Barbies of Barbieland were under the impression that they believed they had addressed every challenge for women, showcasing the mantra 'girls can do anything.'Physicist Barbie, Journalist Barbie, and Doctor Barbie are all very inspiring However, Gerwig highlights the reality that such limitless ambition can be quite draining Barbie's journey begins with signs of burnout—groggy mornings, cold showers, and burnt waffles—reminding us that even the most inspiring pursuits can lead to fatigue, a nuanced reflection on the demands of constant achievement.

Recognizing that exhaustion is the first step that Barbie has to take to find her own humanity, and the message is one that we can carry into any day when we feel both proud of ourselves and also quite depleted.

3.2 Different generations of feminists can find common ground

Barbie bridges generational feminist divides, presenting real women across ages with varied views on womanhood Sasha, a teenager, initially rejects Barbie for embodying patriarchal ideals and consumerism Her mother, Gloria, fondly recalls

7 Guardian News and Media (2023, July 24) Barbie: The Patriarchy, the existentialism, the capitalism – discusswith spoilers The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/jul/24/barbie-movie-spoilers-themes