Wild popularity Barbie The film, starring Margot Robbie, has been criticized in Russia for allegedly promoting Western views that harm traditional Russian values. This accusation has been made by politicians and officials of all stripes, including Russian parliament member and convicted spy Maria Butina.
The accusation, however, is not specific and does not take into account which Western ideologies are promoted in the film. It is possible that the film’s positive portrayal of Western ideals such as independence, freedom and self-expression is of concern to the Russian Ministry of Culture. Traditional Russian ideals of patriotism, collectivism and conformism are considered to be in conflict with these values.
However, the criticism is seen as part of a larger effort to suppress Western influence in Russia. The Russian government has reportedly cracked down on dissent since the invasion of Ukraine and limited access to Western media and culture.
This crackdown is likely an attempt to keep the population in check and stop the spread of ideas that could undermine the administration’s legitimacy.
Barbie was not even released in Russia due to wartime sanctions against its filming. However, the film’s unauthorized screening in Russia raises the possibility that there is significant interest in Western culture there.
Despite government efforts to suppress it, this demand is likely to increase in the future.
How BarbieRussian values challenge traditional Russian culture
Traditional Russian ideals are an unclear term. However, it is commonly used to refer to principles such as nationalism, collectivism, conformity and family.
These principles are considered fundamental to Russian culture and identity. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russian government has been promoting traditional Russian values.
However, these traditional Russian values are clearly being challenged Barbieprinciples of individualism, trend setting and loneliness. The criticism, however, serves as a timely reminder of the importance of upholding Western ideals, since democracy and human rights depend on these values.
Maria Butina, a Russian parliamentarian and former spy, spoke to BBC reporter Steve Rosenberg about her desire to see Barbie dolls banned from Russian schools and reaffirmed the importance of “traditional” values. To Rosenberg’s question:
“How can you talk about values as a representative of a country that has invaded its neighbor?”
Butina replied:
“Well, you know, we have a different position on this matter.”
In addition to the ongoing conflict, the Russian economy is currently experiencing severe labor shortages and soaring inflation, which President Vladimir Putin says makes business planning “impossible” in Russia.
Barbie is now available to stream on Apple TV, Prime Video and the Microsoft Store.