Like many across the Arab world, I too
wondered if Jordan would follow the
ban on the film Barbie. With notable bans
of the film across several Arab countries, including Kuwait, Lebanon, and
Algeria, my excitement for the film was replaced by curiosity about the
controversy surrounding it. Why was it banned? Were the bans justified? And
what exactly about the film's content made it controversial? I tried not to
spoil the movie for myself until I could see it with my own eyes.
اضافة اعلان
While the movie has been in theaters for
several weeks now, this opinion may seem a little late, but stay with me on
this one. Before the movie premiered in the Kingdom, many outlets had reported
on the Islamic Action Front aiming to ban the film due to its content. They
alleged explicit scenes contradicting Arab values, identity, and Islamic
principles. This curiosity piqued my interest. Could the film truly challenge
these aspects?
The distortion of Western media on the rest
of the world
While I was excited to dust off my finest
pink outfit, I could not help but think about the distortion of Western media
and its influence on the rest of the world. I also could not stop thinking
about sensationalism in Arab news. Many opinions seemed empty, with references
to something they read, rather than creating an opinion for themselves. Because
surely, if it does go against our values, then the rest of the world is not
obligated to follow.
The movie opens with a conceptual world where ideas lack tangibility, and jobs are abstract. Ken's occupation, for instance, is simply "beach." This reminded me of Plato's Allegory of the Cave, where shadows on a wall represent limited perceptions. In this allegory, a prisoner emerges into the real world, symbolizing the journey from ignorance to knowledge.
What does it actually mean to be a man?
However, I believe the film's criticism
seemed uninformed, originating from biases and objections within our own Arab
context. One of these perceptions is that men attending a
'Barbie' movie implies something about their masculinity. However, in a playful jest,
Jordanian content creator FeedMureed took to his Instagram to prove otherwise.
At the end of the day, the movie does not imply or aim to change men's identity
but rather to delve deep into what it means to actually be a man, towards
balance, not extremes.
One word: cellulite
On the other hand, women’s criticism of the
film following that Barbie follows a very idealistic perception on what women
should look like, not rather on what they actually look like was teased
throughout the film. If you have not seen it, then you know, the word cellulite
was thrown a lot.
Barbie World is conceptual
The movie opens with a conceptual world where
ideas lack tangibility, and jobs are abstract. Ken's occupation, for instance,
is simply "beach." This reminded me of Plato's Allegory of the Cave,
where shadows on a wall represent limited perceptions. In this allegory, a
prisoner emerges into the real world, symbolizing the journey from ignorance to
knowledge.
While I was excited to dust off my finest pink outfit, I could not help but think about the distortion of Western media and its influence on the rest of the world. I also could not stop thinking about sensationalism in Arab news. Many opinions seemed empty, with references to something they read, rather than creating an opinion for themselves. Because surely, if it does go against our values, then the rest of the world is not obligated to follow.
Barbie and Ken's enlightenment mirrors this
journey. Barbie discovers the complexities of life, while Ken learns about
patriarchy. Sharing this newfound insight, the characters reshape their world,
moving away from extremes towards balance.
Barbie's exploration highlights that a
balanced world accommodates both sides. Anything deviating from this balance
deviates from our truth. The movie's core issue lies not within its content but
in how information can be sensationalized, blocking the pursuit of truth beyond
appearances.
The controversary seems exaggerated
The controversy over the film seems
exaggerated. There is no explicit content; it promotes genuine connections and
emotional exploration. It challenges objectification and encourages joy in its
various forms. It is a reflection of balance, not extreme feminism.
In the end, the question arises once more:
What was the controversy about? As I ponder, I reach for another handful of
popcorn.
Sarah Shabbar holds a
Master of Arts in Mass Communications/Media Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in
Journalism, with a minor in Communication Studies, from California State
University, Northridge in Los Angeles. Her thesis focused on homeless women and
gender-based violence.
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