On Friday night, Mohammed al-Sayed decided to wear a unique outfit – a pale pink shirt and denim overalls – as he joined a friend at a movie theater in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Both men settled in to watch the regional debut of the movie “Barbie,” which portrays a doll on a mission to dismantle the patriarchy. This scene repeated itself throughout the conservative Islamic kingdom, as women embraced the movie by painting their nails pink, adorning pink bows in their hair, and draping pink floor-length abayas over their shoulders.
Despite criticism from various parts of the Middle East, Saudi viewers chose to ignore the negative comments surrounding the film. They found joy in the portrayal of a matriarchal Barbie society, where men served as eye candy. They laughed and snapped their fingers at thought-provoking moments about gender norms and femininity. Exiting the theaters, they contemplated the deeper meaning behind the movie.
Many Saudis, like Mohammed al-Sayed, related to the film’s exploration of identity and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. The movie resonated with both men and women, as it conveyed the message that they are enough as they are. The idea that such a sentiment was being portrayed in Saudi Arabia, one of the most male-dominated societies globally, was mind-boggling to many in the Middle East.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has undergone significant social changes, including allowing movie theaters to operate after years of absence. However, patriarchy still remains deeply ingrained in the country. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while bringing about reforms, perpetuates male dominance in positions of power. Despite progress, Saudi women still require the approval of a male guardian for various aspects of their lives. Additionally, discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community persists.
Given the conservative nature of Saudi society, many anticipated that “Barbie” would face censorship or even a ban in the country. The fact that neighboring Kuwait had already forbidden the film further fueled these expectations. Critics asserted that the movie promoted homosexuality and questioned the importance of marriage and family.
However, the movie’s release went ahead in Saudi Arabia, albeit on a delayed schedule, indicating that government censors had reviewed the content. While some individuals, like entrepreneur Wafa Alrushaid, called for the film’s ban, arguing that it distorted feminism, many Saudis embraced it as a positive reflection of equality.
The debate surrounding “Barbie” resonates with broader discussions about societal values and the culture wars faced by different countries. Similar battles have taken place in the United States, with conservative figures criticizing movies for supposedly being anti-male. Last year, several countries in the Middle East banned the film “Lightyear” because it depicted two female characters kissing. Gulf Arab countries have even issued statements demanding that Netflix remove content conflicting with their Islamic values.
Kuwait, in particular, has witnessed a recent surge in conservative voices, aligning themselves with Islamist ideologies. These views contrast with the increasing progress and transformations in Saudi Arabia. Many Kuwaitis were surprised that they had to travel to Saudi Arabia to watch “Barbie,” as their country had historically provided greater freedom of expression.
Upon leaving the movie theaters, viewers in Riyadh expressed their own unique perspectives on the film. Some believed that it emphasized the importance of completion and cooperation between men and women. Teenagers Aljohara and Ghada, who initially anticipated heavy censorship, found the movie surprisingly realistic and appreciated its message of equality. However, Ghada suggested that equity would be a better goal to strive for, given the inherent differences between boys and girls.
Ultimately, “Barbie” proved to be a thought-provoking experience for Saudi viewers, challenging societal norms while allowing individuals to reflect on their own views and identities. Despite the ongoing obstacles facing gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights in the country, the movie’s release signifies a changing tide in Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape.
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