- Ruth Handler, in “Barbie,” expresses that mothers provide a stable foundation for their daughters’ reflection on their journeys.
- Watching the movie made me reflect on my relationship with my mother and appreciate her sacrifices.
- Although generational differences can arise from parenting, I still hold respect for my mother’s choices.
Entering the theater to watch “Barbie,” I felt a surge of excitement heightened by the enthusiastic opening-night crowd.
As a child of the ’90s, I eagerly anticipated the nostalgia. Little did I know that this bubblegum-pink film would profoundly make me reevaluate my bond with my mother.
Evidently, this hilarious yet personal summer blockbuster resonates with many others. It now holds the record as the highest-grossing film directed solely by a woman. I appreciated the meticulous attention to detail, from the glitzy and cheesy costumes to the lack of walls in the Barbie Dreamhouses.
However, one particular scene exerted an overwhelming influence on me. Barbie encounters her creator, Ruth Handler, and requests permission to become human.
“You don’t need my permission. I can’t control you any more than I could control my own daughter,” Handler responds. “I named you after her: Barbara. And I always hoped for you, like I hoped for her. We mothers stand still so our daughters can look back and see how far they’ve come.”
Upon hearing these words, I couldn’t help but contemplate my close relationship with my mother. There have been times in my life, even recently, where I felt like I was leaving her behind, evoking a bittersweet longing that eludes explanation.
It pays homage to my mother’s sacrifices and dedication
My mother has led a fascinating life. She was born in England and raised in India, then attended a remote British boarding school. She despised school so much that she never pursued higher education. At 18, she became a model, followed by a career as a makeup artist and, ultimately, an alternative healer, living in various countries like Argentina, Italy, and Belgium.
During my teenage years, when I displayed an interest in poetry, she enrolled me in a writing workshop at the library, provided me with countless writing books, and arranged a meeting with one of her patients who worked at The New York Times. When it was time for me to choose a college, I sensed her desire for the type of education I was about to receive.
What I truly admire about her is her unwavering commitment to always give her best. Once she embarks on something, she rarely gives up. She worked diligently to secure my enrollment in a private school. Recognizing my boredom during the summers as an only child with few friends, she sent me to sleepaway camp. At the age of 6, she enrolled me in dance lessons, which I adored, although I eventually quit due to lack of practice and commitment. In any situation, I could always count on her unwavering presence in my life. She volunteered for numerous school activities and attended every play and performance, radiating pride as she watched me on stage.
When I entered college, I took for granted the opportunities I was granted and all the effort she exerted to secure my future. Reflecting on this, I am fully aware that I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.
Parenting may lead to generation gaps, but I appreciate my mother’s choices
The quotation from Handler also underscores the intricate nature of motherhood. We may disagree with our mothers’ decisions, and we may choose to lead our lives differently. However, this does not invalidate either choice. The movie briefly touches on Handler’s daughter’s discontent with being the inspiration for the iconic doll.
It appears that the film’s director, Greta Gerwig, portrayed a hint of rebellion by incorporating this aspect into the story. In the movie, Gloria’s daughter, Sasha (played by Ariana Greenblatt), rejects Barbie due to her belief that the doll embodies outdated sexist ideals. It is true that Barbie dolls promote unrealistic body standards that leave women feeling inadequate. However, Barbie also empowered girls by illustrating that they could become doctors, presidents, or even serve on an all-female Supreme Court.
I like to envision women and mothers standing in a line, facing forward, acknowledging the abundance behind us that shines with pride and admiration. I feel grateful that the “Barbie” movie served as a reminder of this.
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