In a shocking sequence of things, the most recent Barbie film, which stars Hollywood actors Margot Robbie as well as Ryan Gosling, has encountered unanticipated obstacles as it faces bans across a range of countries with a Muslim majority.
Kuwait as well as Lebanon are the most recent added countries to the growing list that restrict the screening of the film in light of concerns that the film’s themes of transsexuality, homosexuality gender equality, feminism, and secularism are in conflict with deeply instilled values of religion and culture.
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Information has taken the stance of a strong government with a wide-ranging ban on the latest Barbie film. The reasoning behind this decision lies in the commitment of the ministry to uphold “public morals and social customs.”
According to the statement of the ministry the ministry’s statement, certain scenes and dialogues in the film are viewed as incompatible with the fundamental concepts of Islam. The concern is that this content could compromise Kuwaiti society’s moral pillars and alter long-standing customs. The ministry warns that people who do not adhere to the ban could be punished legally.
Lebanon shares Kuwait’s concerns with the Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada calling for measures to stop the film screening. His concerns stem from his conviction that the film in some way promotes transsexuality and homosexuality.
Furthermore, he believes that the film questions the traditional roles of family as well as mocks motherly responsibilities and questions the morality of family and marriage. Mortada believes that the film could transform Barbie as a symbol of beauty and innocence, into a vehicle to promote the perpetuation of what sees as Western moral decline.
The film was released on March 17, 2023 The film makes a bold choice to portray Barbie as a defender of feminist ideals, and actively contesting gender stereotypes. The plot revolves around the process of self-discovery for Barbie as well as her partner Ken who is shown as transgender.
The film, despite receiving millions of favorable reviews has been met with criticism. Islamic countries have described the film as offensive according to their traditions.
Alongside Kuwait along with Kuwait Lebanon, Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and other Muslim majority nations have voted to prohibit the screening of films. The reason is that these objects inadvertently promote Western beliefs that do not align with Islamic beliefs. As a result, activists from these nations have launched online campaigns asking people to stop watching the movie in support of their religious and cultural values.
The bans of the recent Barbie film within Kuwait and Lebanon reveal the complex interplay between modern artistic expressions and deeply embedded religions and cultural norms.
The debates about the film continue to grow it’s impact extends beyond entertainment and spurs more general discussions about personal freedoms as well as societal values and the delicate balance between protecting culture and encouraging the pursuit of creativity.
