In the realm of cinema, Greta Gerwig’s 2023 movie “Barbie” has taken audiences on a delightful and thought-provoking journey. Beyond its dazzling visuals and engaging storyline, the film encapsulates profound underlying themes that challenge societal norms and redefine individual identity. At the heart of these themes lies the powerful and resonating phrase, ‘I am Kenough.’
Storytelling within a feminist lens, a fresh and empowering perspective to the iconic Barbie character, played brilliantly by Margot Robbie, embarks on a journey of self-discovery that transcends the confines of conventional beauty standards. As Barbie confronts the expectations imposed upon her, she begins to question her worth beyond her appearance.
Yes. I really am talking about Barbie, expressing her own insecurities and self-doubt.
Within a world consumed by ideas of physical perfection, it is deemed normal to fall into the desire of wanting to change oneself. Yet, this is truly all an illusion we have created for each other.
Aesthetics, influencers, and material items lie in the epicenter of today’s overall mentality but, in the words of Billie Eilish who brilliantly produced a song for the movie, is that what we are made for?
Straying away from society are characteristics of empowerment, self-love, and honestly, the truth. We struggle to remind ourselves of the beauty that lies within our imperfections, and the unnecessary use of photoshop and filters, acting as nothing but to blur lines, and mentalities.
Whether it be a laugh that overpowers the room, or legs which don’t resemble the slenderness of Kendall Jenner’s, we were each crafted in our own perfection. The subject of it, relative to each individual’s perspective. A longing to possess it, unlike any other.
This personal conflict is one which this character, who has fit the ideal beauty standard for decades, encounters, and as one could imagine, is terrified. There is no recipe to looking like Bella Hadid, Blake Lively, or even just a random girl you find gorgeous as you scroll through tiktok. However, confidence, although difficult to possess, is the key.
Holding back tears, overthinking, being sensitive, alone, or not able to actually express your emotions, are all normal. Being a teenage girl, not knowing how to deal with all of this, is normal.
Like Barbie does at the end of the movie, it is up to us to find comfort within ourselves, and the world around us. Although our journey may not look like hers does on the big screen, embarking on it will take us in the right direction. It might start with meditation in the mornings, or smiling at a random girl in the hallway. This change can be ignited within all of us because really, we are kenough.
