Whoopi Goldberg of “The View” has made several controversial statements regarding certain topics. Most recently, she expressed her disapproval of Ben Shapiro’s views on the new movie “Barbie”.
While it is rated PG-13, it is certainly not a kids’ film and its content appears to be more focused on feminism and patriarchy than what would be expected from a doll-based movie.
Shapiro stated that he found the film “upsetting when material based on children’s IP marketed to little girls actually ends up being angry feminist claptrap that alienates men from women, undermines basic human values, and promotes falsehood all at the same time.”
In response to this comment, Whoopi exclaimed: “It’s a movie about a doll!” Dave Rubin added that if one listens to the people who made the movie they are sending political and cultural messages in there which goes beyond expectations for such a film.
“If you listen to any of the people who made the movie, they’re telling you that they’re putting political and cultural messages in there” Rubis said.
Issa Rae, who plays President Barbie in the film was quoted as saying: “Barbie takes on some of the greatest gender imbalances present in society today.”
Simu Liu who played Ken said: “I hope that [the film] really challenges gender norms and heteronormativity.” Additionally, characters within the movie struggle with deathly thoughts as well as being called fascist at one point in the movie which further proves his point.
While Whoopi may have been trying to make a valid point by defending her opinion on this particular topic, however, it appears that she did not do so using an informed perspective which Dave Rubin referred to as being “deeply shallow”.
It is safe to say that although “Barbie” is based around a popular toy character aimed towards children, it does contain other subjects which should definitely be taken into consideration before forming any opinions or making commentary about it.
Add to that the fact that Barbie struggles with thoughts of death and is even called a “fascist” at one point in the film, and it’s perfectly clear: “Barbie” is most certainly not just “a movie about a doll.”
But Whoopi can continue being what Rubin calls a “deeply shallow thinker” if she wants to.
Erica Carlin is an independent journalist, opinion writer and contributor to several news and opinion sources. She is based in Georgia.
