anxsit.

Because here’s the thing: you can never be pretty enough under patriarchy. It doesn’t matter how perfect, how drop dead gorgeous, or how Stereotypical Barbie you are—as a woman in patriarchy, you are NEVER pretty enough. Yes, there is pretty privilege and you get some advantages for being beautiful, but none of that remotely translates to being treated and viewed as an equal and a human being worthy of respect.

And isn’t it telling that as soon as Barbie starts to feel self doubt and the pain of patriarchy, the way she finds to express that is that she isn’t pretty enough.

But of COURSE she does because pretty is how you determine a woman’s value under patriarchy. And a woman is NEVER pretty enough in patriarchy because no amount of pretty will erase a system BUILT on female inferiority. So of course, even Margot Robbie, even the most beautiful, perfect, stereotypically attractive Barbie, feels like she isn’t pretty. You can’t win as a woman under patriarchy no matter how beautiful you are.

Of course we’re told that’s not true. We’re told “if you’re just beautiful enough—” “just thin enough—” “just smart enough—” “YOU can be Special Enough to Win Patriarchy.” But it’s all a lie. A lie that pits women against each other and against their own interests.