Is Life in Plastic so Fantastic?
We talk materialism, gender norms, beauty ideals, race, feminism and the patriarchy, all themes in director Greta Gerwig’s $145 million film, "Barbie.".
July 28, 2023
55 min
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1,910 of 3,393
July 28, 2023
Is Life in Plastic so Fantastic?
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55:50This episodeIs Life in Plastic so Fantastic?
Summary
Since Mattel launched Barbie into the world in 1959, the doll has been adored for her ability to show girls they can do anything and loathed for her abnormal body proportions. Now, in the first live action film featuring Barbie, she’s on center stage. In the film Barbie is forced to leave her home of ‘Barbieland’—prompting an adventure in the real world and discovering along the way that perfection is found within. Materialism, gender norms, beauty ideals, race, feminism and the patriarchy are all themes in director Greta Gerwig’s $145 million film. Are we all good with Barbie now? What’s the impact and legacy of Barbie on culture today?
Guests:
Rae Alexandra, staff writer, KQED Arts & Culture; creator and author, "Rebel Girls from Bay Area History" series
Nadra Nittle, education reporter, The 19th
Antonia Cereijido, executive producer, LAist Studios
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