Did you succumb to the Barbenheimer marketing blitz? I did. Actually, just the Barbie side of it.
The movie exceeded my expectations for all sorts of reasons, including the fact that it was interesting from a five element perspective.
At first glance it’s all pink, sparkle, dancing, singing, beaches and fun. This is quintessential fire element. But there’s a significant metal element theme in Barbie. Metal is interested in classic aesthetics, beauty and presentation, which are, of course, totally Barbie.
Metal element themes also include concerns of meaning, purpose and assessment. When in balance these are ingredients that add richness and satisfaction on your path. BUT when metal is out of balance there can be a preoccupation with purpose, meaning and assessment that gets in the way of satisfaction: “Nothing is good enough”. OR the imbalance could look like complete avoidance of inner compass, surrounding oneself with outward trappings of success and play acting at happiness: “Everything is fine”.
Initially it seems that Barbie is going to be all surface and no depth when she says, “It is the best day ever. So was yesterday, and so is tomorrow, and every day from now until forever.”
Then things get interesting. All the Barbies and Kens are at her “blowout party”, dressed disco fabulous, dancing in unison, and she suddenly blurts out “Do you guys ever think about dying?” BOOM. Some healthy metal element kicks in. Asking WHAT IS THE POINT OF ALL OF THIS? From there she goes on a journey to get to the bottom of the questions bubbling up within her.
In a way the movie wasn’t just a metal element moment for Barbie, the character, but also for Mattel. I was surprised that they allowed Greta Gerwig to touch on the unrealistic body image expectations that Barbie can create for young girls. Mattel allowed some honest assessment of their product. (I don’t know… did they need to approve it?).
I like to think this wasn’t just a marketing reboot for them. Even though they have since launched a special edition Weird Barbie. Which I coveted for just a moment. And then realized I had been there, done that, back when I was 6.
What did YOU think of Barbie? Or Oppenheimer for that matter…
P.S. In the spirit of a balanced metal element, whose season is upon us, I am offering a midyear opportunity to commit to your health for the remainder of 2023 and save some money.
Through August 18, you have the opportunity to pre-pay for 6 acupuncture visits, to be used by the end of 2023, and receive a 7th one free. You can purchase up to 2 of these retainers. Just reply to this email to set up your $750 or $1500 retainer or let me know at your next visit, which you can book opens in a new window::HERE::
P.S.2. I haven’t seen Oppenheimer… But, in case you were wondering, my quick five element analysis is death and destruction equals water element. If there is any regret or introspection in the story, that would be metal element. I’m sure there are other themes in there. Not sure I’m going to find out.
