Fall 2023

104 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 3 While Monterey native Katee Weiss, 21, was walking into the “Barbie” premiere in a pink track suit with her sister Cassidy, 26, who was wearing a pink T-shirt and pink shorts, she says they exchanged smiles with other women wearing pink. But while waiting in line, the young women were catcalled by men. “I was quickly reminded that no matter what I wear, I will be subjected to men’s comments and gazes,” says Katee Weiss. “I felt empowered in my pink clothes but being sexualized took me right out of Barbieland and right into the Real World.” Ferrera performs a monologue in the film as the character Gloria about the predicament of being a woman that hit so hard that many women were left with tears rolling down their cheeks. Some men, includ- ing Weiss’ boyfriend, sat wide-eyed while digesting the message. “It is literally impossible to be a woman,” Ferrera says to Robbie’s Barbie in the scene that director Gerwig said left her sobbing during filming. “You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough. Like, we always have to be extraordinary, but somehow, we’re always doing it wrong…You have to answer for men’s bad behavior, which is insane, but if you point that out, you’re accused of complaining…” Barbie and Ken adventure into Southern California where they are shocked to realize that male and female roles are reversed from Barbieland. Barbie is upset while Ken is excited to look for his place in the patriarchy. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Photo: Dale Robinette