Shakira Criticizes Barbie as ‘Emasculating’ and Reveals Her Sons Disliked the Film
Shakira has criticized the Barbie movie as “emasculating”, emphasizing the importance of both men and women in society and how one should not be prioritized over the other.
In an interview with Allure magazine, the 47-year-old Colombian popstar discussed the blockbuster film released last summer, her new album, and her breakup with former footballer Gerard Pique.
Barbie is set in Barbie Land – a matriarchal system where women hold high-end jobs, while men (Kens) are subordinate to the Barbies and spend their time at the beach.
The dolls travel to the real world where they encounter the patriarchy that Beach Ken (Ryan Gosling) wants to introduce in Barbie Land, but is opposed by Barbie (Margot Robbie) and her team.
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However, Shakira revealed that her two young sons disliked the movie, feeling it was “emasculating”, a sentiment she partially agreed with.
She explained: “I’m raising two boys. I want them to feel powerful too while also respecting women.
“I appreciate pop culture that empowers women without diminishing men’s ability to be men, to protect and provide as well.
“I believe in equipping women with the tools and trust that we can handle it all without losing our essence, without giving up our femininity.
“I believe men have a role in society and women have another role as well. We complement each other, and that complementarity should not be overlooked.”
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Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is one of the highest-grossing movies of all time, earning $1.4bn (£1.15bn) worldwide.
The movie also includes a monologue by actress America Ferrera, a Mattel employee, discussing societal expectations placed on women that inspire the other Barbies to rebel and save Barbie Land from the new regime.
Margot Robbie as Barbie. Pic: Warner Bros
Shakira, however, offered a more nuanced view, questioning, “Just because a woman can do it all, does that mean she should?
“Why not share the burden with those who deserve to carry it, who have a responsibility to carry it as well?”
Allure refers to this as the “Shakira Paradox,” where she believes in empowering women and men, who should also display traditional masculine qualities.
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Barbie v the patriarchy
‘Women No Longer Cry’
Shakira’s sons Sasha, nine, and Mila, 11, are shared with her ex-partner Pique, a former Barcelona defender and Spanish international.
The Hips Don’t Lie singer reflected on her separation with Pique in June 2022 after 11 years together and the release of her first album in seven years – Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, or Women No Longer Cry.
She said following the break-up she was “in the mud” and she “had to reconstruct myself, to reunite all the pieces that had fallen apart” which is explored in the album.
Shakira celebrates the official release of her new album. Pic: AP
The three-time Grammy winner highlighted how women used to suppress their emotions, hide their pain, and cry in silence, but in today’s world, she emphasized the freedom to heal and cleanse our wounds.
Talking about her independence, she stated: “No one dictates when or how I cry, how I raise my children, or how I become a better version of myself. I make those choices.”
Shakira noted the refreshing nature of women being authentic and unapologetic, after having to apologize numerous times in the past.
