Barbie, the latest film by acclaimed director Greta Gerwig, has been a global sensation, breaking box office records and earning rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film, starring Margot Robbie as the iconic Mattel doll and Ryan Gosling as her love interest Ken, is a coming-of-age story that explores Barbie’s identity and encourages fellow dolls to express their individuality. However, not everyone is happy with the film’s message and representation of gender and sexuality. Several Arab countries, including Kuwait, Lebanon and Algeria, have banned the film from screening in their cinemas, citing concerns that it promotes homosexuality and undermines traditional values.
The reasons for the ban vary from country to country, but they all share a common theme: the film is seen as a threat to the public morals and social order of the Arab world. In Kuwait, the head of the board of film classification said that the film “promulgate [s] ideas and beliefs that are alien to Kuwaiti society and public order”. In Lebanon, the culture minister accused the film of “promoting homosexuality and transsexuality… supports rejecting a father’s guardianship, undermines and ridicules the role of the mother, and questions the necessity of marriage and having a family”. In Algeria, the ministry of culture said that the film “contains scenes that are contrary to our religion and customs”.
The film has also faced criticism from some religious groups and conservative media outlets in the region, who have denounced it as a form of cultural imperialism and Western propaganda. Some have claimed that the film is part of a conspiracy to corrupt the youth and spread homosexuality among them. Others have argued that the film is an insult to Islam and its teachings on modesty and gender roles. Some have even called for boycotting Mattel products and burning Barbie dolls in protest.
Disagreements
However, not everyone in the Arab world agrees with the ban or the backlash. Some have defended the film as a harmless entertainment that celebrates diversity and empowerment. Some have praised the film for its positive portrayal of women and girls, who are often marginalized and oppressed in patriarchal societies. Some have challenged the notion that the film promotes homosexuality, pointing out that it does not show any explicit or implicit same-sex relationships or scenes. Some have also questioned the authority and legitimacy of the censors and their criteria for banning films.
The controversy over Barbie reflects the larger tensions and contradictions that exist in the Arab world regarding gender and sexuality. On one hand, there is a growing movement of activists, artists, writers, academics and ordinary citizens who are advocating for more freedom, equality and diversity in their societies. On the other hand, there is a strong resistance from traditionalists, fundamentalists, nationalists and authoritarian regimes who are trying to preserve their power and control over their populations. The clash between these two forces is likely to continue as long as there is no dialogue or compromise between them.
Barbie is not the first nor the last film to face censorship or controversy in the Arab world. It is part of a long history of cultural conflicts that have shaped and reshaped the region’s identity and values. It is also a reminder of the power and influence of cinema as a medium of expression, communication and education. Whether one likes or dislikes Barbie, one cannot deny its impact on sparking debates, raising awareness and challenging stereotypes in the Arab world.
