October 6, 2023 By Glenn Mangurian
Barbara Millicent Roberts, aka “Barbie”, turned 64 this year. Wow! With the popularity of the “Barbie Movie” I decided to venture to Barbie Land for an interview with the fashion icon. The following is a condensed version of my conversation with the star.
Glenn: Hi Barbie; it’s Glenn. Thanks for agreeing to this interview.
Barbie: Hi Glenn. How was your trip to Barbie Land?
Glenn: I don’t remember much. A driver in pink convertible picked me up, I fell asleep and the next thing I knew I was in Barbie Land. By the way you look great. What’s your secret to your beauty and fitness?
Barbie: Plastic. You know I am a toy doll. The people at Mattel make sure I maintain my image.
Glenn: Well they have done a great job maintaining your fitness and beauty. What did you think of the movie? It got excellent reviews.
Barbie: Fantastic! Greta wrote a great screenplay and Margo Robbie – what can I say. Ryan Gosling really nailed Ken.
Glenn: Speaking of Ken, what is your relationship with him these days?
Barbie: Ken is a nice guy and we have fun together but he wants a closer relationship. I’m happy just being friends.
Glenn: I understand. In the movie, Barbie visits the “Real World”. What were your impressions?
Barbie: Well, first off, there were all these guys following us and wanting to take my picture. At first it was fun, but then it became annoying. I think you call them Paparazzi. I also noticed that people like to argue with each other in the Real World. They don’t seem to be very happy. And all those guns. What’s with the guns? I don’t know why people can’t just get along like we do in Barbie Land.
Glenn: Yes, there are conflicts in the Real World. What were Ken’s impressions?
Barbie: Ken liked the patriarchal system and wished that was the way in Barbie Land.
Glenn: Did you feel it is different being a woman in the Real World?
Barbie: Absolutely. You may remember the Mattel employee, Gloria, who helped me understand the Real World. She told me that “It is literally impossible to be a woman. You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, and never get out of line. You have to have money, but you can’t ask for money because tha’s crass. You have to be a boss, but you can’t be mean. Women have to answer for men’s bad behavior, which is insane, but if you point that out, you’re accused of complaining. And it turns out in fact that not only are you (women) doing everything wrong, but also everything is your fault.” I’m not sure I would like living in the Real World.
Glenn: Sadly, women still face challenges in the Real World. It is getting better but still much progress to be made. Did you get a chance to surf the internet?
Barbie: Ken and I often go water surfing but the internet – that’s new. I did liked viewing people dancing on TikTok. Ken seemed to be drawn to a dating app and had no trouble meeting girls.
Glenn: I understand the movie has grossed over $1.5 billion. Not quite as much as Taylor Swift’s ERAs Tour.
Barbie: Count me as a Swiftie. I’m hoping she will do a concert in Barbie Land next year.
Glenn: Are you planning any more trips to the “Real World?”
Barbie: Yes, I am. Remember the last movie scene. I have an upcoming doctor’s appointment. Maybe we can catchup on one of my trips back.
Glenn: Sounds good. It’s a plan. Thanks so much for the interview. I am certain my readers will find your insights of interest.