cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/2911882
For some women in China, “Barbie” is more than just a movie — it’s also a litmus test for their partner’s views on feminism and patriarchy.
The movie has prompted intense social media discussion online, media outlets Sixth Tone and the China Project reported this week, prompting women to discuss their own dating experiences.
One user on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu — a photo-sharing site similar to Instagram that’s mostly used by Gen Z women — even shared a guide on Monday for how women can test their boyfriends based on their reaction to the film.
According to the guide, if a man shows hatred for “Barbie” and slams female directors after they leave the theatre, then this man is “stingy” and a “toxic chauvinist,” according to Insider’s translation of the post. Conversely, if a man understands even half of the movie’s themes, “then he is likely a normal guy with normal values and stable emotions,” the user wrote.
“Women in China” ≠ One user on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu
“I’m going to test my BF every week to see if he’s the perfect man, instead of sharing my beliefs with him and talking it out”
My friend, the first thing you need to know about shitty people is that they tend not to be open about how shitty they are. If you share your beliefs with someone manipulative, they will usually hid their real opinions from you.
This is an oversimplification. What is early dating besides experiencing life together and testing compatiblity?
I’ll be honest I have absolutely no idea what gender dynamics are like in China but there may be a safety component there. A cursory google yields this study. Which lists patriarchal beliefs as a significant risk factor for domestic violence.
Sharing media you enjoy is actually sharing your beliefs and ideas. Most people are not poets and are bad at conveying especially emotions but also complex topics in general with words.
I entirely agree with this concept! Barbie was not only a sensational movie but it would be very triggering to certain sorts of men (i.e. Ben Shapiro).
What does it mean if your man reacts to the movie by buying Barbie dolls and burning them on his fascist propaganda channel?
Did this actually happen?
Yes - Shapiro burned the dolls in a reaction video before going on a 40+ minute “anti-woke” rant. I didn’t watch the entire thing and I don’t want to link his filth here, but you can easily search for it if you want to see it.
But I should clarify one thing - I’m not sure if he bought the Barbie dolls, stole them from a child, or took them from his personal collection.
Guys who have a problem with this would probably fail anyway.
My friend brought his gf to watch Barbie and he enjoyed it more than her.
Now he can’t hear the end of it from us about being pegged.