Angela Young CEO, ALY Media
Across the country, it was an epic weekend for women and little girls all over America. This past weekend it topped the box office, raking in $155 million. In the City of New Orleans, ALY Media Owner, Angela Young hosted a screening of the movie. It was filled to capacity and fun was had by all. But the craze over the film led her to begin to research Barbie and its meaning. What she found surprised her, for something she deemed as positive had some negative connotations. In response to these conflicting definitions, Young, who usually helps craft other people’s stories decided to pen her own thoughts on the meaning of Barbie.
Below is a short commentary regarding the meaning of Barbie for the empowered women of New Orleans:
What started as an idea grew into a perfectly curated night of fun for local Barbie lovers. My sister Daphney and I grew up on all things Barbie. We had EVERYTHING (Barbie Dream House, Corvette, Summer Home, Skipper, Barbie Winnebago, clothes galore, and MORE. A few days ago, Daphney and I decided to go see the premiere and thought of asking our network to attend. My Mom jokingly said, “Nobody is gonna want to go see that but you and Daphney.” Less than 24 hours later, 30 people RSVP’d to attend, and more wanted to come but the theatre was sold out. What does that mean? Barbie is a hugely impactful phenomenon.
So, I googled the definition of Barbie. And what I found made me angry. It was negative and demeaning. The Urban Dictionary was insulting. I then asked my friends, family, and associates to text me what Barbie means or meant to them. Who was or is Barbie to you? Here are some of the responses: fierce, determined, strong, made me dream BIG, fashionable, independent, a boss, daring, etc., etc. When Black Barbie was created, it gave Black girls a chance to see themselves as astronauts, lawyers, real estate moguls, doctors, scientists, teachers, lifeguards…whatever our imaginations let her be…she was!
So, this weekend we attended the SOLD OUT 7 pm showing of the Barbie Movie at Prytania Canal Place Theatre; we were all dressed in PINK of course! You saw Skater Barbie, Disco Barbie, Sporty Barbie, Avant Barbie, Professional Barbie, Dr. Barbie, Fashion Forward Barbie, and MORE!!! I ordered a sprinter to pick 14 of us up from my home so we can ride together…we met the rest of the Barbies at the theatre! All in all, we had an AMAZING time celebrating our intelligence, elegance, success, and excellence. Which all began as little girls playing with Barbie, and imagining the sky was the limit for our lives. Now we are all here Living the Dream.
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