this post was submitted on 03 Aug 2023
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For some women in China, "Barbie" is more than just a movie — it's also a litmus test for their partner's views on feminism and patriarchy.

The movie has prompted intense social media discussion online, media outlets Sixth Tone and the China Project reported this week, prompting women to discuss their own dating experiences.

One user on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu — a photo-sharing site similar to Instagram that's mostly used by Gen Z women — even shared a guide on Monday for how women can test their boyfriends based on their reaction to the film.

According to the guide, if a man shows hatred for "Barbie" and slams female directors after they leave the theatre, then this man is "stingy" and a "toxic chauvinist," according to Insider's translation of the post. Conversely, if a man understands even half of the movie's themes, "then he is likely a normal guy with normal values and stable emotions," the user wrote.

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[–] doggle@lemmy.world 351 points 1 year ago (61 children)

Women in the US are doing that too.

I guess it works, to a point. If your man throws a Shapiro-esque fit over this movie he probably isn't great to be around the rest of the time.

[–] rosenjcb@lemmy.world 52 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (4 children)

His critique of it is basically that it's too "woke" but he really has nothing to say about the essential elements of any movie (plot, tone, character development, etc). He's either unable or unwilling to separate politics from his review. It's like he doesn't know a movie can be well made even if you disagree with its themes.

[–] leftenddev@slrpnk.net 33 points 1 year ago (3 children)

If you ever have (unfortunately) heard of his absolutely dogshit book, then his inability to understand deeper meanings, subtext, themes, and to grapple with a competent plot should not surprise you in the least. Robert Evans, Cody Johnston, and Katy Stoll read it through on Behind The Bastards in a few episodes. Imagine the novelization of a Steven Seagal movie adaption of a Jack Ryan plotline. Combine that with how ol Benny really wanted, and failed, to be a screenplay writer, and it makes sense his absolute hatred for modern Hollywood movies that don't say all the things he likes.

[–] GFGJewbacca@lemm.ee 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

One pump, one cream my friend. I loved those episodes and so many more.

[–] Kerwala@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)
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[–] roboticide@lemmy.world 20 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I mean, I think it's fine to critique a movie on themes as well. It's a key aspect that makes up a film, like effects, writing, casting, or acting. I don't think critiquing it as "woke" is invalid - it tells his audience a key facet of what they want to know about a movie. If a movie was coming out and someone reviewed it saying the themes were pro-fascist, I'd also want to know that and not attend based off of theme.

I just like that a movie which, in no uncertain terms, advocated for strong, independent men is too "woke" for Ben Shapiro. But I guess if you determine your worth as a man by how much control you have over women, that tracks.

[–] julianh@lemm.ee 17 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Fascism is an actual defined term. Woke isn't, it just means whatever the user wants it to mean, which is usually something like not wanting some minority group to exist.

[–] roboticide@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Woke is a defined term.

The fact that it's mis-defined or used as a pejorative does not invalidate its definition nor mean it can't be used as a descriptor of a film. It's literally an adjective.

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[–] NielsBohron@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I think "woke" actually does have a definition, put forth by DeSantis's lawyers, IIRC. I don't want to go find it right now, but it was something along the lines of "aware of and acknowledging the existence of systematic racism in the United States."

But more broadly, these days it just means "progressive" without defining any specific arena, so personally, I think woke is a valid way to describe a movie. In fact, if a movie doesn't have at least some "woke" themes, I'm not too interested in seeing it these days.

[–] archiotterpup@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

"Woke" comes from AAVE meaning to be aware of racial prejudice. As in, "you woke up from a dream". It has a definition, it's just that most white people won't take the time to learn it.

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[–] rustic_tiddles@lemm.ee 5 points 1 year ago

"Woke" means whatever anyone wants it to mean at any time.

Or is the theme of the movie about awareness of systemic racism in the US justice system? Haven't seen it myself

[–] Cralder@feddit.nu 11 points 1 year ago

Pretty sure he decided what he was going to say before he even saw the movie. He can't admit to liking any part of it becausee of his politics.

[–] Hyperi0n@lemmy.film 4 points 1 year ago

I seen a video of another person dismantling his arguments and plot and character development is something he touches on.

[–] BetaBlake@lemmy.world 46 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Shapiro-esque is such an apt description.

[–] Hype@lemm.ee 5 points 1 year ago

The amount of concern a woman should have about their partner is directly related to the amount of Shapiro that is displayed when complaining about Barbie. I had a few parts I didn't like, but I still enjoyed the movie as a whole. I thought the car chase scenes were so unnecessary and terrible product placement.

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[–] Colorcodedresistor@lemm.ee 43 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Both my wife and i wanted to go equally. I wanted to thirst on Ken and I did...but on the serious note, its a good movie for both genders to see for seperate but equal reasons. Barbie gotta stand up and step out, be herself. and Ken has to learn what it means to be Ken without Barbie. This movie would of helped me not be such an incel in my formative years.

[–] cheery_coffee@lemmy.ca 4 points 1 year ago

I agree with that. I definitely could have used more advice similar to that during my 4chan years...

[–] MercuryUprising@lemmy.world 32 points 1 year ago (3 children)

What do you mean? I can't think of anything more stable than a grown man burning children's dolls on the internet after watching a movie based on a toy designed for 6-12 year old girls.

[–] MargotRobbie@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

I don't think about him at all.

[–] PsychedSy@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

Wait, people weren't joking about that?

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[–] Trapping5341@lemmy.world 21 points 1 year ago (1 children)

What do I do if my woman does that though?

[–] nothingbuttofu@lemmy.world 9 points 1 year ago (1 children)
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[–] MacroCyclo@lemmy.ca 15 points 1 year ago

a Shapiro-esque fit

🤣🤣🤣

I'm using that line

[–] WolfhoundRO@lemmy.world 7 points 1 year ago

It can also work both ways, by seeing how she sees the corporate feminism thrown around by power-hungry corpos only for the profit. Luckily, my gf and I were sharing the same "yeah, it's still divisive and murican corpo trash" mentality about the movie, while both of us saying that it was "almost there"

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