the reason why Barbie (2023) will work as a movie and as a feminist piece is because Greta Gerwig actually also knows how to write complex, funny and interesting male characters. her Laurie in Little Women was kind and fun and authentic in a way that made the audience understand what the girls see in him; the guy from Lady Bird (yes, Timothée Chalamet again) was a really cool twist on the douchebag archetype. like there's no way Barbie will be about how all the Kens suck (and from the new trailer i believe it's also going to focus on Barbie' self-actualization which, god I'm so excited for Greta to make me cry in a Barbie movie!)
I feel a lot of belief that “trans women obviously have it worse than trans men” it comes from assuming men & women are opposites & that their experiences must be opposite as well. As in, if trans women experience one thing, trans men must experience the opposite—but that’s not how it works in practice. Trans women are demonized and sexualized doesn’t mean trans men aren’t as well. Trans women feeling less safe after transition doesn’t mean trans men feel more safe. And transmasculinity being considered disgusting mutilation doesn’t translate to the opposite for transfemininity! I just wish we would stop comparing experiences as though they can be quantified & pitted against one another.
“Amy turns around to get one last look at Laurie. She loves him, as she’s always loved him.”
“She suddenly blushes, but smiles in thanks. And then runs off to greet Fred. From the top of the staircase, Laurie looks at her and Fred embrace, not sure of what he’s feeling.”
- It's like the tide Jo. When it turn it goes slowly, but it can't be stopped.
- I'll stop it. I'll fight it. I'll keep you alive. Whatever I have to do and whatever I have to give up to God.
Maya Hawke as Jo March in LITTLE WOMEN (2017) dir. Vanessa Caswill