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Barbie and Oppenheimer, not Barbie vs Oppenheimer

Barbie and Oppenheimer, not Barbie vs Oppenheimer

17-07-2023

Barbie and Oppenheimer, not Barbie vs Oppenheimer

Both seem light years apart; both are icons in their own way, and both have movies honouring them coming up. These seem incomparable, infinitely different, yet the premiere date is set on the same day, which will make history.

In the times when women were not allowed to work, go places and speak their minds, they only could be mothers and housewives. Barbara Millicent Roberts was the girl who had no husband or kids, but she had all these jobs, and it seemed like she could do anything. It was unusual for the kids to have dolls with breasts, let alone dolls that came in a rather sexy swimsuits. The swimsuit was just a result of their marketing strategy. They sold the doll in a tiny swimsuit for just $3, and then the parents were e targeted to buy new clothing garments for an extra $2-3. Even though the idea of little girls getting interested in hairstyling and fashion was nice, it was still of parents’ greatest concern to not allow a chance of sexualising their children.

Many do not get the so-called “hype” of the Barbie figure, but they also don’t understand that it is not just hype; it is the transformation of a whole narrative, a narrative that girls can get out of the kitchen, that the girls can become women without a husband or children, that girls can be quite literally anything.

Born in 1959, Barbie made an iconic character throughout the years, and it was only a matter of time before somebody decided to make a movie about THE Barbie, not various adventures that included her and not her life. The question is, why so late? Directed by Greta Gerwig, whose works include “Lady Bird” and “Little Women”, and the cast, it truly is promising.

For this summer, we have two heroes, aside from Barbie, a person who drastically differs from our empowering pink girl, Oppenheimer, who changed the world with his brilliant ideas. Born in 1904, J. Robert Oppenheimer’s contribution to the Manhattan Project during World War II was unparalleled. His leadership and scientific expertise were monumental in developing the world’s first atomic bomb.

Oppenheimer’s contribution to the bomb project marked a monumental shift in history. The mind-boggling Trinity test conducted in July 1945 showcased the raw and terrifying power of this groundbreaking weapon, altering the very nature of warfare forever. The world stood witness to the unimaginable devastation unleashed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, an experience that shook humanity to its core.

Confronted with the aftermath of the bombings, he grappled with a profound sense of responsibility and remorse. The horrors he witnessed propelled him towards becoming an outspoken advocate for nuclear disarmament, seeking redemption for his role in releasing such cataclysmic capabilities upon the world.

In this way, Oppenheimer’s journey embodies the complexities of moral decision-making in the face of unprecedented technological advancements. His transformation from a scientific pioneer to a fervent proponent of nuclear disarmament reflects the weight of his conscience and the enduring impacts of choices.

Barbie has pushed the boundaries of traditional storylines by embracing the inclusion of real-life historical figures, amplifying the impact of her influence. Take, for instance, the dolls inspired by iconic women like Amelia Earhart. Implementing Amelia Earhart in the Barbie world, the fearless aviator who shattered gender stereotypes in the early 20th century inspires generations of young girls to reach for the skies. Barbie’s representation of Earhart not only celebrates her groundbreaking achievements but also encourages girls to dream big and pursue their aspirations fearlessly.

Barbie’s mission to ignite inspiration and promote learning uncovers surprising connections when compared to the portrayal of Oppenheimer’s character in movies, showcasing the immense possibilities of intertwining educational and imaginative dimensions.

For generations, Barbie has been a boundless wellspring of inspiration for kids, offering a wide array of dolls and enthralling narratives. She empowers them to delve into their infinite capabilities, defying societal boundaries and breaking free from stereotypes. Through imaginative play, Barbie ignites a sense of wonder and cultivates creativity, imparting valuable life lessons in the process.

Likewise, the depiction of Oppenheimer’s character in movies presents a special chance to educate and captivate audiences. By exploring the intricacies of his involvement in creating the atomic bomb, these films illuminate the historical backdrop and ethical challenges surrounding this momentous event. Oppenheimer’s narrative serves as a window through which viewers can analyse the far-reaching consequences of scientific breakthroughs and their influence on worldwide politics.

By drawing these parallels, we uncover the potential for collaboration between the realms of education and imagination. Just as Barbie’s stories inspire children to dream and explore, Oppenheimer’s movie character prompts reflection and encourages critical thinking.

It is a common dilemma this summer as to which movie premiere one is going to attend, which movie is a better premiere choice and which movie is not a “waste of time.” And there is a false implication that people who choose Barbie or Oppenheimer are drastically different, and one would never watch the other, but that is fundamentally wrong. All these questions are also wrong because we at KinoPark just established this astonishing connection between Oppenheimer and Barbie. So, one or another? Nah, the correct question is, “Which one first?”

In our opinion, it would be most effective to watch Oppenheimer first since it has rather sad and tragic counterparts and needs a lot of digestion and is around 3 hours long. Then it would be perfect to turn tables and bring the mood up with Barbie’s pinky flares. 🚀💅

All the readers are more than welcome to enjoy both movies at KinoPark on July 20! Less than a week left; how excited are you? 😏

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