Letters | Why Chinese men needn’t be put off by Barbie and feminism
- Readers discuss the message of the new movie, Japanese students’ struggle with English and the behaviour of a British band in Malaysia
I am delighted that the film is sparking conversations about feminism, which remains a taboo subject in our society. Indeed, many women shy away from calling themselves feminists, as they might be criticised for being man-haters (when what we are actually against is patriarchy), aggressive (which is unattractive in a woman, we are told) and angry.
It might well be easier for women to submit to patriarchal values and try to win male approval: be docile, subordinate and somebody’s wife, in return for comfort, security and material goods. But it also comes with a heavy price – becoming more of a possession like a stereotypical Barbie.
Nevertheless, with awareness of our autonomy and agency, women are authentic persons, not dolls. It is notable that in the film, Barbie leaves her flawless life in Barbie Land behind in search of purpose as an imperfect but real woman.
In China, some men were seen leaving the cinema in the middle of the movie. While patriarchy gives men power and privilege, its values could be detrimental to them too. Whether they realise it or not, men are under pressure to conform to stereotypical ideas of masculinity: they have to be strong, dominant and silent about their emotions to prove their manliness. For example, boys who like playing with Barbie dolls or have other hobbies perceived as feminine are likely to be ridiculed. Why can’t society let them freely pursue their interests and live up to their potential?
