University of Washington Tacoma
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Access*: Interdisciplinary Journal of Student Research and Scholarship

Author Biography

My name is Morgan Page, and I am currently a student at the University of Washington, Tacoma. I'm majoring in communications, focusing on research and minoring in philosophy. I chose to write up this analysis of the 2023 Barbie film as it provoked me to question the authenticity of social movements, precisely feminism, within Hollywood films. Is a doll company that simultaneously destroys our planet become the new face of the feminist movement, and can we do better? Or has capitalism begun to commodify feminism, and how does this affect both the feminist and environmental movements the film glosses over?

Document Type

Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

This paper delves into analyzing the 2023 Barbie film through an ecofeminist lens and symptomatic reading, revealing significant shortcomings in its treatment of environmental concerns and feminist discourse. Through a critical examination, it becomes evident that the film fails to address environmental issues beyond Barbie's plastic-dominated world, neglecting broader ecological implications. Furthermore, the use of feminist topics within the narrative appears superficial, serving as mere plot points rather than catalysts for meaningful dialogue and highlighting how the film, despite its cinematic nature, operates as an extended toy commercial, commodifying feminist ideals for profit rather than engaging in genuine discourse. This paper concludes that the film perpetuates societal norms of patriarchal and capitalistic systems, wherein both the mistreatment of women and the disregard for the environment are deemed natural. By shedding light on these issues, this analysis underscores the importance of challenging narratives and advocating for more inclusive and environmentally conscious storytelling in contemporary media.

University

University of Washington Tacoma

Course

TCOM 312: Ecology, Inequality, And Popular Culture

Instructor

Ellen Moore

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