Season 4, Episode 5: The Barbieland Mess

Dr. Nithila Peter returns to the Parity Podcast and joins Deborah to discuss the magic and mess of the Barbie movie. Drawing on her background in media studies, Nithila offers insight into the cinematic experience and the bookends of the movie, from the birth of Barbie to the gynecologist's office. Simulatenously inspired and horrified by the perfectly sculpted Barbie as a role model, Nithila and Deborah discuss the film's depiction of the hyper-femininine and hyper-masculine worlds, and what they reveal about parity. They discuss the complexity of the Barbie doll as a toy, along with the film's depiction of the gender divide. While Barbie inspires both women and men to create their authentic selves, one wonders whether that powerful pink message can inspire in the shadow of stereotypical Barbie beauty.

You can reach out directly to Dr. Peter and learn more about her Emotional Intelligence work at eionthepod.com or eileads.com.