What Does it Mean to be a ‘Girl’s Girl?’

In the Greta Gerwig cinematic universe, girlhood trumps all. Gerwig’s adaptation of “Barbie” furthered the conversation surrounding girlhood and what it means to be a “girl’s girl.” The post-Barbie effect led viewers to practice their versions of “girl’s girl” solidarity by showcasing various acts of kindness. While these acts of kindness are important, what other lessons from “Barbie” should be taken into consideration in order to omit practicing performative feminism?

When thinking about girlhood, it can be attributed to standing in solidarity with women. This solidarity can be found in paying a stranger a compliment or in today’s world of social media, commenting on or liking someone’s post. These kinds of acts are great in concept; however, a misconception about feminism is that solidarity is always supposed to feel good. 

A subject that “Barbie” faintly touched on was intersectionality. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, intersectionality is the “interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.” When it comes to feminism, everyone does not have the same needs, especially marginalized groups.

In order to make real progress, you must get out of your comfort zone. Margot Robbie’s character, Barbie left Barbie Land where she thrived under systems that did not benefit other women. Because her life seemingly appeared perfect, she could not see the problems other women were facing. However, her journey to the real world brought the realizations that made her conducive to impactful change. 

Intersectional feminism acknowledges that experiences for all women are not the same. Issa Rae played President Barbie, who was the face of Barbie Land and called all of the shots. A missed opportunity in “Barbie” was not allowing the women in power in Barbie Land to be imperfect.  Margot Robbie’s Barbie had the opportunity to be vulnerable in a way that other characters did not, which often reflects real life. Women in power have to forgo their emotions in order to appear “strong.” However, “Barbie” teaches us that power does not dismantle harmful systems — unity does. 

Being a “girl’s girl” can be impactful when we reflect on how we can do our part in helping other women. Being supportive of other women is constantly learning and unlearning. It’s getting comfortable with the uncomfortable.

How are you a girl’s girl? Share with us on socials @theedgemag!