In 2023, Barbie became a phenomenon. Greta Gerwig's speech about what it means to be a woman touched women around the globe. She gave voice to what many have felt but couldn't find the words to express.
But to be fair, it begs the question, what do men struggle with? What is your experience in the world?
Tell me. I'm asking. We're listening.
"It's literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful, and so smart, it kills me you don't think you're good enough. We have to always be extraordinary, but somehow we're always doing it wrong.
You have to be thin but not too thin. And you can never say you want to be thin. You have to say you want to be healthy, but also you have to be thin. You have to have money, but you can't ask for money because that's crass. You have to be a boss, but you can't be mean. You have to lead, but you can't squash other people's ideas. You're supposed to love being a mother, but don't talk about your kids all the damn time. You have to be a career woman but also always be looking out for other people.
You have to answer for men's bad behavior, but if you point it out you're accused of complaining. You're supposed to stay pretty for men but not so pretty you tempt them or threaten other women because you're supposed to be a sisterhood.
Always stand out and always be grateful. Never forget that the system is rigged. Also, always be grateful.
Never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line. It's too hard! It's too contradictory, and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you! And it turns out not only are you doing everything wrong but everything is your fault.
I'm so tired of every woman tying herself into knots so that people will like us. And if all of that is also true for a doll just representing women, then I don't even know."
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