Unpacking The Barbie Movie: 20 Questions to Discuss with Your Kids
The Barbie movie offers an invitation to explore the themes of identity, gender roles, societal norms, and the importance of authenticity. You can use it as a springboard to encourage your children to question, understand, and hopefully challenge oppressive systems. Remember, the ultimate goal is not just to have a single conversation, but to foster a continuous open dialogue about these important themes. To prepare for these conversations, check out In BarbieLand P Is For Patriarchy.
While these questions are a great place to start, it's important to remember that children's understanding and ability to engage in complex conversations can greatly vary depending on their age and maturity level. You may need to simplify some of these questions or explain certain concepts in more child-friendly terms. The goal is not to overwhelm them with heavy concepts but to open up a dialogue that allows them to think critically and empower them. Keep in mind these can be used for all children, including your sons!
Questions To Explore:
1. How do you think Ken felt when he realized that his idea of himself was tied to Barbie and things he owned?
2. How does Barbie challenge traditional gender roles throughout the film?
3. Barbie encourages Ken to be authentic and express his emotions. How does this challenge the typical expectations of male and female interactions?
4. Ken learns that expressing emotions, including crying, doesn't make him weak. How does this change the way you think about expressing your own feelings?
5. How did Ken's journey from being heavily influenced by societal constructs of masculinity to understanding his individuality affect his character?
6. Barbie is often seen as a symbol of femininity. How does the movie use her character to explore and question what femininity means?
7. What did Barbie mean when she told Ken that the things he thought made him who he was, weren’t really him?
8. Why do you think the movie spent so much time focusing on Ken's story, even though Barbie has traditionally been the main character?
9. In the movie, Barbie says, "By giving voice to the cognitive dissonance of living under patriarchy, you rob it of its power." What do you think she means by this?
10. Remember the scene where Ken chases after the mini-fridge? How does this scene illustrate the gap between what society tells us we should want and our actual needs?
11. Barbie lives in a world where she can do anything and be anything. How does this world contrast with the 'Real World' Barbie and Ken visit?
12. Why do you think Ken was so focused on winning Barbie's attention? How did his perspective change throughout the movie?
13. In one scene, Barbie encourages Ken to embrace his true self, saying “Maybe all the things you thought made you, you, aren’t really you.” What does this tell us about Barbie's perspective on individuality and self-expression?
14. Barbie and Ken's journey to the 'Real World' brought up a lot of issues around gender roles and expectations. Can you recall any scenes that challenged these roles?
15. In the film, Barbie is seen as more than just a girlfriend or a pretty face. How does her character show the power and potential of women beyond traditional roles?
16. How did Ken's understanding of masculinity evolve throughout the film? What can we learn from his journey about our own identities and societal expectations?
17. What do you think is the movie's message about being true to yourself and not letting society's rules define who you are? How can we apply this message in our daily lives?
18. How does this film's Barbie contrast with the Barbie you are familiar with? Does this change how you perceive Barbie as a character?
19. Barbie is often seen taking the lead in the movie. How does this challenge traditional expectations of women and leadership?
20. What does Barbie's character in this movie teach us about feminism and the fight for gender equality? How does Barbie use her voice and actions to challenge the status quo?
Just as Barbie says, “By giving voice to the cognitive dissonance of living under patriarchy, you rob it of its power.” We can help our children find their voice, and in doing so, empower them to be their authentic selves.
Check out the blog In BarbieLand P Is For Patriarchy!
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