Shakira, the global music icon known for her unapologetic opinions, didn’t hold back in a recent interview with Allure. The focus of her critique? The wildly successful Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, which became a cultural juggernaut in 2023. Despite earning $1.4 billion globally and receiving eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, the film has sparked intense debate. Shakira’s candid thoughts on the film add a unique perspective to the conversation.
Shakira’s Sons and Their Reaction to Barbie
Shakira’s take on the movie is shaped by her sons’ strong aversion to it. According to her, they perceived Barbie as undermining masculinity. This reaction posed a significant challenge for Shakira, a mother raising two boys in a modern world. She wants her children to grow up embracing their strength while also learning to respect and uplift women.
“They absolutely hated it,” Shakira revealed during the interview. “They felt that it was emasculating.” While she acknowledged her sons’ sentiments, she also added nuance to her stance. “I agree, to a certain extent,” she said, explaining that her vision is one of balance. Shakira hopes for pop culture that empowers women without marginalizing men. In her ideal world, both men and women would share responsibilities and thrive as equals, each respecting the other’s strengths and roles.
A Balanced Approach: Empowerment Without Sacrifice
Shakira’s thoughts delve into broader societal issues about gender dynamics. She advocates for a model where men and women complement each other rather than compete. She firmly believes in a society where women can excel without abandoning their femininity or taking on all burdens alone. “Why not share the load with people who deserve to carry it?” she asked. “People who have a duty to carry it as well.”
Her remarks underline the importance of mutual respect and shared responsibilities. As a mother, her goal is to instill these values in her sons, helping them grow into men who support and appreciate women while embracing their own strengths.
Contextualizing the Criticism: A Wider Debate Around Barbie
Shakira’s comments resonate with other criticisms that arose during the movie’s release. Some conservative critics labeled Barbie as “aggressively anti-man” and dismissed it as feminist propaganda. These critiques contrast sharply with the vision of the film’s director, Greta Gerwig.
Gerwig intended Barbie to serve as an inclusive celebration, an “invitation for everybody to be part of the party.” Her goal was to challenge outdated gender norms and inspire viewers to embrace a more collaborative future. She expressed surprise at the backlash, emphasizing that the movie aimed to spark meaningful discussions about gender roles and expectations.
A Dialogue Worth Having
Though Shakira’s sons may not be fans of Barbie, the film’s cultural impact cannot be denied. It has ignited essential conversations about empowerment, gender dynamics, and the evolving nature of societal expectations. Shakira summed it up eloquently: “We complement each other, and that complement should not be lost.”
In the end, perhaps the real takeaway isn’t about whether Barbie is pro- or anti-anything. Instead, it’s a reminder of the importance of dialogue—a chance to explore how men and women can work together, respect each other, and celebrate their unique contributions to society.