Bill Maher Bashes ‘Barbie’ as a “Preachy, Man-Hating Zombie Lie”
Bill Maher Bashes ‘Barbie’ as a “Preachy, Man-Hating Zombie Lie”

Bill Maher Bashes ‘Barbie’ as a “Preachy, Man-Hating Zombie Lie”

The 'Real Time' host ran down his issues with the Greta Gerwig film, while insisting "I'm not the one who's out of step."
Anone who thinks it's man hating hasn't actually seen the movie. It has as much to say about the state of modern men as it does women.
At the start of the film it plainly states, out loud, in actual dialog, that for Barbie, every day is the best day ever, but for Ken, it's only a good day if Barbie looks at him.
Ken's adrift. He's the ultimate representation of a friendzoned incel. He has no purpose in life other than as a Barbie accessory with as much agency as her swimming pool or Dream Car.
When he finds that purpose, it's toxic. But saying the film is "man hating" is denying Ken's search for meaning in a Barbie world.
I agree with you and I think there is even more to evaluate in Ken’s search for meaning.
Remember that he’s ultimately lost even in the real (“mans”) world.
There are two things here:
As a man, husband and father myself I can so identify with that journey. I was abused in my career by managers that wanted me to fight my friends for promotions and I’ve burned out several times due to unrealistic expectations that I had of myself which were ingrained in me by a patriarchal culture. It’s very tiring to be ‘the boss’ and I’ve learned that sharing the load does not weaken me, it makes me stronger,
I think that the film is actually very kind to men. It’s saying: ‘You don’t have to do everything alone.’
I honestly wonder if women are ready though. Like I said and like the movie illustrates: there is a lot to do on both sides. Equity has a cost and I know many women who still find sanctuary in the slipstream of the men in their lives because taking that step out of the shadow takes as much bravery as admitting that you can’t be in control of everything all the time.
Aw thanks so much for your concern. 🙄
I'm sorry, but WTF? I don't know how you look at feminism with any kind of understanding and walk away with that impression.
The fact that, as men, we've collectively ignored feminism's every attempt to help us, while whining that women are helping themselves and each other, doesn't mean that feminism has left us behind. It means we've refused help and to help ourselves.
I agree. I think the film does a great job peeling back the bias of sexism and making it, not a problem with men, but with humanity. Something we can all commiserate with and all benefit from working at making things better.
All of this. I'm not pro third wave feminism but I absolutely loved the messaging about the toxic state of Ken.
The movie posters that I've seen literally say that in two sentences. Even the song says she's a Barbie girl in a Barbie world.
I think you’re going a bit deep for this kind of person. And it’s no surprise that this sort is so whiny.