Taking A Closer Look At 5 Of Our Favorite Barbie Quotes
This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s summer editorial intern Maggie Lardie. Find her on Instagram at @maggielardie. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
It’s been a little over a week since the release of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and it’s already safe to say this film has taken the world by storm. Barbie shattered a huge number of records at the box office, with some of the most notable being the largest opening of 2023 and largest opening by a female director since 2019’s Captain Marvel. Excitement for the movie was already high with director Greta Gerwig at the helm, but the results surpassed absolutely all expectations. Gerwig took Barbie’s previously controversial status and stripped it, empowering audiences while reminding them of why they loved Barbie to begin with. A love letter to girlhood, Barbie is a manifestation of every instance where patriarchal standards cause a woman to doubt herself. The film created a sense of closeness among its viewers that carried over onto social media, where creators are discussing their passions, best childhood memories and favorite moments from the movie. In case you haven’t gotten the chance to see Barbie yet, stop scrolling! A spoiler warning is officially in effect. Here are five moments the internet is absolutely loving. What is your favorite Barbie movie quote?
“I would never wear heels if my feet were shaped like this.”
What better way to start off our list than with the mention of Barbie’s iconic high heels? Uttered casually by Margot Robbie’s “Stereotypical Barbie” near the beginning of the film, this simple sentence redefines everything she was once believed to be. It becomes apparent that Barbie was never dressing for the sole purpose of looking good, but for functionality as well. When she forces her flat feet into heels, she’s confused and uncomfortable. While it might be short, this line makes audiences stop to think; effectively defining the thoughtful tone of the remainder of the film.
“This makes me emotional and I’m expressing it. I have no difficulty holding both logic and emotion at the same time, and it does not diminish my powers. It expands them.”
Stated by Sharon Rooney’s “Lawyer Barbie,” this line is one the world would do well to hear again. Unlike the subtlety of the previous quote on our list, this line attacks sexist stereotypes head-on. The term “emotional” is used far too often to describe women who hold positions of power; practically never being used to describe men of the same status. Sexism is still incredibly prominent in the workplace today, despite the denial of many companies and government officials. In fact, according to Forbes, about 13% of people still doubt women’s emotional suitability for politics. It’s upsetting that Lawyer Barbie had to state her credibility so blatantly, but we’re glad she did!
“You’re so beautiful.” “I know it!”
This scene is one of my absolute favorites from the film! After being harassed, arrested and bullied by men and women alike upon her entrance to the real world, Stereotypical Barbie takes a moment to sit down and think (and cry a little too). After deeply contemplating the subject of girlhood, Barbie turns to see an older woman sitting next to her on the bench. What’s so beautiful about this line is that Barbie never gives it a second thought. She proves again that she does not share the real world’s opinions of beauty, calling it as she sees it. The woman is beautiful, and why wouldn’t she be? The best part of this scene comes with the woman’s answer: “I know it!” In a world that constantly pushes the idea that women should seek validation from others, it is so refreshing to hear the woman’s confident reply.
“I’m here for you!” “You’re here for me!”
This revelation is brought to light by Margot Robbie’s Barbie during the car chase scene with Gloria and her daughter Sasha. Initially believing herself to be in the real world for Sasha, Barbie quickly realizes that it’s Gloria she’s really there for. The significance of this line lies in the twist, since neither Barbie nor the audience expected a mother well into her thirties (or forties?) to be the one still playing with dolls. Like the previous quote, this scene combats the enforced belief that a woman loses worth as she ages. So many women believe that growing up means abandoning your childhood passions, but this doesn’t have to be the case! If this issue is something you’ve found yourself contemplating as you get older, know that age has never and will never define your worth.
“I want to do the imagining, not be the idea.”
This statement is one that many find themselves resonating with. In such a male-dominated world, women are often pushed aside to make room for the ideas or opinions of men. Gerwig represents this theme through Stereotypical Barbie, who (like many women) becomes fed up with being dismissed and seen as incapable. This quote also provides a full circle moment in the film, directing the audience’s attention to Barbie’s original purpose. Barbie was never intended to be the superficial, stagnant idea that she’s become today, but a capable, determined individual meant to inspire others.
What’s your favorite Barbie movie quote? What did you think of the film? Let us know in the comments!