The Simpsons has its own and superior version of the Barbie movie.
The Simpsons has its own and superior version of the Barbie movie.
Barbie vs. The Simpsons: Satire Showdown!
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Barbie.
Barbie, the movie that took the world by storm, has been praised for its vibrant visuals, star-studded cast, and oddball humor. But did you know that The Simpsons did it first? And better? That’s right, the iconic animated sitcom tackled the same themes as Barbie in the classic episode “Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy” (season 5, episode 14), and it hit the mark with hilarious precision!
In Barbie, the “Stereotypical Barbie” doll ventures into the real world to confront the girl who’s been playing with her, hoping to bring some much-needed joy. Along the way, she discovers the damaging impact of Barbie dolls on women’s self-esteem and how they perpetuate narrow-minded stereotypes. Meanwhile, Ken learns about the patriarchal power imbalance and brings it back to Barbieland. It’s up to Barbie to overthrow the newly established patriarchy and reclaim their rightful place.
But wait, The Simpsons got there first! In “Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy,” Lisa is thrilled when her favorite doll line, Malibu Stacy (the equivalent of Barbie), introduces a talking version. However, her excitement turns to disappointment when she realizes that the doll promotes shallow and disempowering messages like “Let’s buy makeup so the boys will like us” and “Thinking too much gives you wrinkles.” Determined to change the narrative, Lisa persuades the doll’s creator to make a new line of feminist dolls called Lisa Lionheart.
“Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy” Strikes Back With Satirical Brilliance!
Both Barbie and “Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy” aim to satirize how Barbie dolls have impacted the feminist movement. However, while Barbie is backed by Mattel, the very company built on women’s objectification, The Simpsons episode has an edge that cuts deeper. “Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy” directly responds to Mattel’s release of the “Teen Talk Barbie” that echoed similarly vacuous expressions. It skillfully critiques the damaging effects of such dolls on young girls’ impressionable minds.
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Both stories highlight the importance of providing powerful role models for young girls. However, The Simpsons acknowledges the flaws in the Barbie brand and introduces an entirely new doll, while Barbie tries to transform Barbie herself into this empowering figure. Both narratives touch on body image, sexual harassment, and the struggles faced by women in society. Yet, The Simpsons delivers a more clear-cut perspective.
Why The Simpsons Does It Better!
Barbie is undeniably a fantastic movie, one of the funniest comedies in recent memory. However, its satirical message takes on more than it can handle. It ambitiously aims to solve gender inequality, tackling the vast issue of sexism through the lens of Barbie. On the other hand, “Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy” keeps its focus sharp, examining the societal impact of the dolls themselves. While Barbie delivers a great punchline with Barbie’s excitement about being a “real human” at the gynecologist’s office, its message of empowerment doesn’t quite hit the mark. In contrast, “Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy” brings its message home with finesse.
In the final scene of “Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy,” Lisa experiences the bitter taste of unchecked capitalism as the launch of Lisa Lionheart is overshadowed by a reissued Malibu Stacy, complete with the same old stereotypes and a new hat. Despite losing out to the power of consumerism, Lisa finds hope in one little girl who chooses a Lisa Lionheart doll over the revamped Malibu Stacy “with hat.” Stacy Lovell remains cynical about the money she’s lost, but an optimistic Lisa declares, “If we get through to just that one little girl, it’ll all be worth it!”
For a truly impactful satirical take on the influence of Barbie dolls, “Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy” reigns supreme.
More: – Barbie’s Ending, Explained – The Magical Combination Missing From Modern Simpsons Episodes
