How fortunate we are to have Barbie and Midge as cultural icons, showcasing different aspects of femininity and friendship. Barbie embodies independence and empowerment with her glamorous lifestyle and diverse careers. In contrast, Midge’s wholesome appearance and loyal friendship to Barbie represent a different kind of strength and support. The dolls’ dynamic mirrors the complexities of real-life friendships, making their story and legacy worthy of further exploration and discussion.

Barbie has truly become an iconic figure over the years, embodying various roles and styles that have resonated with people all around the world. Her ability to adapt and stay relevant in changing times is commendable, and it’s fascinating to see how she has evolved and reinvented herself multiple times.

In contrast, Midge’s story brings forth an important perspective as well. While Barbie was pursuing her career and navigating the social scene, Midge’s focus was on building a family and nurturing her relationships. This stark difference in priorities between the two friends reflects the diverse paths that individuals can take in life. Unfortunately for Midge, she was discontinued from the Barbie universe for being pregnant and having a family. Even Barbie was dismissive of Midge in the movie. Once her best friend, now in her shadow.

The impact of Barbie on popular culture can’t be overstated. Whether one is a dedicated Barbie enthusiast or not, it is undeniable that she has played a significant role in shaping societal perceptions and aspirations. From her humble beginnings to her evolution into a cultural icon, Barbie has seamlessly transitioned from a beloved childhood toy to a central figure in the entertainment industry. The recent adaptation of Barbie’s journey into a blockbuster movie with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in the lead roles signifies the enduring relevance and appeal of her story. It is a testament to the profound impact she has had on multiple generations, captivating the interest of individuals across various age groups.

Like many girls, I initially wanted a Barbie doll because my friend had one with cute clothes and she was beautiful. Instead, I got Midge for my birthday because my mother preferred redheads. I was disappointed at the time, but now I see Midge differently. Even though she’s in Barbie’s shadow, she has her own awesome vibe and strength. I didn’t understand it back then, but my mother saw something in her.

But Barbie and Midge are not just about their appearances; they also represent different careers and personal lives. Barbie’s glamorous lifestyle can symbolise societal pressure for perfection, while Midge’s relatable and diverse portrayal highlights the importance of embracing individuality and diversity. These differences not only reflect societal beauty and success standards, but also address broader issues of representation and inclusivity in the toy industry and society as a whole. Understanding these nuances provides valuable insights into navigating societal expectations and norms, prompting the question: Who do we model ourselves on… Barbie or Midge?

As Barbie remains a cultural phenomenon, her journey mirrors various aspects of human experience, growth, and adaptation. Barbie embodies glamour and enduring success, while Midge is all about maturity and finding contentment beyond the spotlight, possibly working in a field that complemented her life choices. Their contrasting stories weave together to create a complex tapestry of human aspirations and individual journeys.

Looking into the future, Barbie and Midge will continue to have an impact through nostalgia, critical thinking, and inspiring new possibilities. They are deeply ingrained in popular culture, sparking discussions about evolving societal norms and personal fulfillment. Emphasising individuality and self-belief over seeking validation from others is crucial. In the context of Barbie and Midge, their dynamics are compelling. Midge’s understated presence brings a sense of normalcy and relatability, while Barbie excels in her constant pursuit of more.

Ultimately, the dynamic friendship between Barbie and Midge underscores how they fulfill different needs for each other. Midge’s cameo in the movie indicates her ongoing significance in Barbie’s life, offering a unique perspective. This friendship serves as a reminder that diverse roles can complement each other but was not explored in the movie.

Ruth Handler, inventor of the iconic  barbie doll in 1959 said Barbie was a symbol of freedom and possibility for young girls and women:

“Barbie has always represented that a woman has choices. Even in her early years, Barbie did not have to settle for only being Ken’s girlfriend or an inveterate shopper. She had the clothes, for example, to launch a career as a nurse, a stewardess, a nightclub singer. I believe the choices Barbie represents helped the doll catch on initially, not just with daughters—who would one day make up the first major wave of women in management and professionals—but also with mothers.”

But in saying that another conundrum emerges. I’ll lead with the quote below from Gloria (an ordinary mum) in the Barbie movie.

It is literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough. Like, 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, which is insane, but if you point that out, you’re accused of complaining. You’re supposed to stay pretty for men, but not so pretty that you tempt them too much or that you threaten other women because you’re supposed to be a part of the sisterhood.But always stand out and always be grateful. But never forget that the system is rigged. So find a way to acknowledge that but also always be grateful. You have to 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 in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also everything is your fault.I’m just so tired of watching myself and every single other woman tie 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.

Gloria (Barbie)

It looks like even Barbie is feeling the pressure to be everything to everyone. The expectation for women to be more than just ordinary needs to be clarified because we’re all in this together, aren’t we? The overwhelming pressure to excel in different roles and present a flawless image can be too much. It’s important to realise that being ordinary doesn’t mean being not good enough. Embracing who you truly are and celebrating different expressions of femininity can make our collective experiences richer. Barbie, as a cultural icon, can also show this inclusivity by representing different strengths and qualities that empower girls and women to embrace their uniqueness without conforming to narrow ideals.

Going forward, the ongoing conversation about breaking free from unrealistic expectations should be heard everywhere, creating a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone. Promoting individuality and rejecting the idea of a one-size-fits-all for women can help build a more inclusive and caring world, and perhaps Midge can come out of the shadows too. What do you think?