Movies
Has Barbie always been a feminist icon who never got appreciated enough?

Despite being surrounded by numerous controversies, Barbie has managed to be ahead of her time and inspire a generation of young girls. Let’s explore this by diving into an untold narrative of one of the most iconic dolls of history.
We would have never expected people to be so hyped-up about a Barbie movie but it happened and not only it made us all excited for its quirky storyline but also made us feel a sense of community and empowerment which can sound ironic to some considering how these dolls have been associated with promotion unrealistic beauty and body standards for young girls for such a long time. Mattel has faced overhauling negative reactions from consumers a number of times and to counter it, they tried to make their products more inclusive and realistic but the recently released Greta Gerwig’s Barbie Movie has to be the most impactful way they sent their message. But did Barbie have to do all that to be considered a feminist icon? The company has sold over a billion dolls since its debut but Barbie dolls have always found themselves surrounded by controversies regarding their lack of diversity, promoting unrealistic beauty standards and reinforcing a sexist mindset. But it is unfair to discredit Barbie for everything she has done, especially when many couldn’t see how she brought the idea of empowerment to young girls.
The controversial origin of Barbie dolls
Ever since its launch, the dolls have been subjected to criticism. The fact that the physique of the doll was based on the German adult-themed Lilli Doll which is something that was typically gifted to men at bachelor parties came out as controversial. It was the first ever adult doll for children. Not to mention that the body of the doll has impossible proportions, high heels, and a tiny waist that felt unrealistic to many. Mattel has introduced a wide range of Barbie dolls and many were criticized for their concepts or inaccurate representation like the babysitter or the Oreo Barbie. But every coin has two sides. While we talk enough about how Barbie dolls negatively affected young girls leading them to have body image issues, we rarely talk about the greatness of this invention and how it came out as an icon of empowerment for young girls even when we didn’t see it.

Since the Beginning of time, since the first little girl ever existed, there have been dolls but the dolls have always been Baby dolls until ….
Ruth Handler, who was the executive vice president of Mattel, is famously known for introducing the world to the Barbie dolls and got her inspiration from her daughter Barbara who was far more interested in playing with paper dolls than she saw in comic books. We saw in the trailer of the Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie which was inspired from 2001: A Space Odyssey’s “Dawn of Man” sequence where young girls were playing with dolls but at that time girl’s toys were only limited to Baby Dolls until Barbie entered the picture during the 1950’s. It was the same time when women were encouraged to be homemakers and directly or indirectly this idea was being infested in young girls through these toys. Baby dolls were supposed to make young girls learn about their nurturing side and make them realize that the peak of women hood is in being a mother.
You can be anything!
The astronaut Barbie released in 1965 has to be one of the most iconic toys of history. It might not sound really influential to some but if we look back in history and think about the gender-based discrimination women used to face at that time, we would be seeing Barbie as a revolutionary icon. Barbie was an astronaut in the 1960’s when women didn’t even have the same financial rights as men. The brand’s tagline says “You can be anything” and they sure stand by it. Since its release, Barbie has been seen doing multiple jobs (over 200). Barbie ran for the seat of President in the 90’s, went to space, owned her own house, could drive her own car, entered into male dominated fields and she did it all by herself and women of that time weren’t allowed to do all that. The accessories of Barbie have been consciously or unconsciously associated with feminine colors which might be trying to portray that all the things that the doll owns have been earned by her. The house, the car or even the clothes, Barbie has earned it all by herself. At the time where women were inspired to be homemakers, Barbie became everything else and aspired to teach young girls that they too can be anything.

Barbie has never been a mother:
The start might be a little rough and controversial for our favorite doll but she did not take long to enjoy her first phase of success and it’s when people started demanding Barbie to marry her boyfriend, Ken and have children which is something that was expected from a woman at that time. It was a common belief that women should aspire to get married and have children which was an ideology Ruth did not want to reinforce in young girls through Barbie dolls. Barbie has never been married and had no children.. Through this, Ruth wanted young girls to understand that going for something conventional like marriage or motherhood is not the only option they have. They can be much more than that and watching Barbie doing it all and making her space in the male dominated fields might inspire them to think beyond patriarchy.

Because of how Barbie appears in her animated movies, people have seen her as a weak and dumb protagonist who loves fashion and likes to dress her up in pink outfits. Such statements disrespect women who love to be traditionally feminine and want to embrace that side of her personality. Being physically or manly aren’t the criteria for being a strong individual. Sometimes people cannot see beyond her experience which makes them to neglect her inner personality. She is kind, honest and stands by her opinion and that how she navigates her way through rough days in her movies. In most of her movies, the underlying message is to be kind, compassionate and brave which isn’t synonymous with being weak.
While most of us might be noticing the feminist side of Barbie for the first time as Greta Gerwig presented her from a different angle, there are also many out there who have always associated Barbie with adventures, chivalry and feminism.
Also Read: Looking forward to a blend of fantasy and reality after watching the new trailer of the Barbie movie
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Events
The Most Memorable Highlights from the 2025 Academy Awards

Surprises, Stunning Wins, and Emotional Tributes – The 2025 Oscars Had It All. Catch Up with All the Highlights.
The 2025 Academy Awards, held on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, was a night of triumphs and surprises that had the attention of audiences worldwide. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the event was lively, full of humor, and celebrated the diversity and creativity of cinema from all around the world. This year’s ceremony stood out for its focus on inclusivity and representation, highlighting the growing diversity and global reach of the film industry. It was also about recognizing talent and stories from across the globe, signaling a shift in how the Academy values the changing trends in filmmaking.
Historic Wins for Anora
The evening’s biggest winner was undoubtedly Anora, an indie film that took home five Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture. Sean Baker’s direction was celebrated with a Best Director win, making him only the second person in history to win four individual Oscars in a single night, joining the ranks of Walt Disney. But the film’s success didn’t end there—Mikey Madison, portraying a sex worker entangled with a Russian oligarch’s son, secured Best Actress. At just 25, Madison made history as the ninth youngest actress to win the prestigious award. The triumph of Anora was a testament to its sweeping storytelling, captivating performances, and fresh perspective in filmmaking.
Zoë Saldaña and Paul Tazewell Breaking Barriers
The night also saw a series of groundbreaking wins that reflected Hollywood’s ongoing push for inclusivity and diversity. Zoë Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. Saldaña’s win was not only a recognition of her immense talent but also an important milestone for the representation of marginalized voices in the film industry.
Meanwhile, Paul Tazewell took home Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked. Tazewell became the first Black man to ever win in this category, making a significant mark on the history of the Academy Awards.
Adrien Brody’s Second Oscar Win
Another highlight of the evening was Adrien Brody, who secured Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist. Brody’s win, marking his second Oscar, was well-deserved after delivering a deeply compelling and nuanced performance. His emotional portrayal in the film left a lasting impact on both critics and audiences, making his victory one of the night’s most celebrated moments in the acting categories.
A Heartfelt Musical Tribute by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
The musical performances were another standout feature of the night. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took the stage for a touching tribute to Los Angeles, which was recovering from the devastating wildfires. Their renditions of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Defying Gravity left the audience in awe, showcasing the emotional power of music and its ability to unite and heal. It was a heartfelt moment that reminded everyone of the strength of the city and the spirit of resilience.
Adam Sandler’s Quirky Fashion Moment
In true Oscar tradition, the night wasn’t without its lighthearted moments. Adam Sandler became the talk of social media when he showed up to the ceremony in gym shorts. Conan O’Brien couldn’t resist poking fun at Sandler’s unconventional choice, adding humor to the event. The quirky fashion moment quickly became a viral topic, sparking discussions about casual red carpet looks and how even the most unexpected outfits can become part of the Oscar narrative.
Controversies and Unexpected Upsets
Not everything went smoothly, though. The night also saw some controversies that added an extra layer of drama to the proceedings. One of the most talked-about moments occurred when Iranian co-director Hossein Molayemi interrupted his partner, Shirin Sohani, during their acceptance speech for Best Animated Short Film for In the Shadow of the Cypress. Molayemi’s actions were met with backlash on social media, with many criticizing him for overshadowing Sohani’s moment. The ceremony also saw a surprising upset in the Best Actress category when Demi Moore, who was widely favored to win for her role in The Substance, lost out to Mikey Madison. This unexpected loss left many questioning the voting choices and added to the evening’s fair share of shocking moments.
Despite the controversies, the 2025 Oscars will undoubtedly be remembered as a night that reflected both the changing tides of the industry and the enduring power of film.
Also Read: Weekly Pop Culture Recap: Microsoft to discontinue Skype by May, Best Highlights from the Milan Fashion Week
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Events
Weekly Pop Culture Recap: Talkworthy Highlights from the 82nd Golden Globes Awards, Disney’s Merger with FuboTV and Much More

Read on as we break down the biggest pop culture moments you don’t want to miss.
Pop culture has a way of keeping us on our toes, doesn’t it? Every week, there’s something new to talk about—whether it’s a jaw-dropping red-carpet moment, a groundbreaking announcement, or just a story that makes you stop and think. It’s what keeps our group chats buzzing and our feeds endlessly scrollable. Read on as we unpack the most buzzworthy highlights of the week.
The 82nd Golden Globe Awards
The 82nd Golden Globe Awards, held on January 5, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, was a night to remember, hosted by Nikki Glaser. One of the most significant moments of the night was Karla Sofía Gascón, who made history as the first trans nominee in a Golden Globe 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards in a solo category. She was nominated for Best Actress in a leading role for her role in Emilia Pérez.
Another highlight came from Demi Moore, who won Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in The Substance. During her speech, she shared a personal story about a time in her career when a producer told her she was just a “popcorn actress,” which made her doubt herself. Despite facing those challenges, she found new inspiration through The Substance, describing the script as “magical” and “bold.” It was a powerful and emotional moment for Demi, marking a triumphant return to the spotlight.
Seems like the peplum style, popular in the 2010s, is also making a return. Celebrities like Rihanna, Harry Styles, Florence Pugh, and Kate Middleton have been spotted wearing peplum designs. At the 82nd Golden Globes, stars such as Cynthia Erivo and Anna Sawai showcased this trend, signaling its resurgence. While some millennials express mixed feelings about its return, others appreciate its flattering effect on various body types.
Family Guy” Returns to Adult Swim:
After a hiatus, “Family Guy” reruns have returned to Adult Swim for the first time since 2021. This follows a non-exclusive deal for the rights to older episodes, bringing the beloved animated series back to its original late-night home.
Disney and FuboTV Merger:
Disney has agreed to merge Hulu + Live TV with FuboTV, aiming to enhance their streaming offerings. This merger is expected to provide subscribers with a more comprehensive and diverse range of content, consolidating their streaming services under one umbrella.
The Tamil film, “Maharaja” Gains Unexpected Popularity in China
Mahraja, starring Vijay Sethupathi, has unexpectedly become a hit in China. The Tamil film’s emotional storyline, centered around a father-daughter relationship, has resonated with Chinese audiences. Its success marks a rare achievement for a South Indian film in the international market, showcasing the global appeal of its narrative and Vijay Sethupathi’s performance.
Also Read: Emerging Fashion Designers India Contest Season 2 Put Budding Talent in the Spotlight
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Events
Dorsia, Gurgaon’s One Of The Biggest BYOBs

Word on the Street: Dorsia, a captivating 21,000 sq. ft. BYOB, is open now on the Gurgaon-Faridabad Road, conveniently located near Golf Course Road. This new hotspot offers an escape from the Delhi-Gurgaon trrafic, making it easily accessible.
BYOB? Absolutely—but not in the way you might expect. At Dorsia, you bring the bottle, and the talented mixologists will elevate your drinks to new heights. Your liquor has never tasted this extraordinary! This isn’t just another dining spot, it’s an ultimate escape—original, essential, and truly memorable.
By day, Dorsia is your peaceful retreat, featuring a nature-inspired vibe straight out of Ubud, Bali. It’s the perfect spot to pop open your laptop and find a cozy nook or just kick back with a calming lunch in a beautiful setting. But when the sun sets, the place comes alive! With electrifying EDM, techno, and hip-hop nights, Dorsia transforms into the ultimate party hub where the fun never stops. Diners will arrive for the tasty bites and stick around for the lively atmosphere! With BYOB cocktails and an inviting ambiance, Dorsia is poised to take over the scene—one delicious plate at a time.
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