For some women in China, “Barbie” is more than just a movie — it’s also a litmus test for their partner’s views on feminism and patriarchy.
The movie has prompted intense social media discussion online, media outlets Sixth Tone and the China Project reported this week, prompting women to discuss their own dating experiences.
One user on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu — a photo-sharing site similar to Instagram that’s mostly used by Gen Z women — even shared a guide on Monday for how women can test their boyfriends based on their reaction to the film.
According to the guide, if a man shows hatred for “Barbie” and slams female directors after they leave the theatre, then this man is “stingy” and a “toxic chauvinist,” according to Insider’s translation of the post. Conversely, if a man understands even half of the movie’s themes, “then he is likely a normal guy with normal values and stable emotions,” the user wrote.
I support this. Not just China, but it’s a good litmus test for guys everywhere.
i just got back from seeing it and it was amazing! really enjoyed a mature discussion about the themes with my partner, where we also recognized some of our friends wouldn’t “pass the litmus test” either. interesting to see it vexing used as a scale!
I find a great test is to ask men if they think these things exist in the first place.
Sweats in Mojo Dojo Casa House
My dude, you are Kenough.
Thanks, Ken.
This is such a genius move
That’s pretty smart. The translated user posts were insightful