I love that you were thinking about the Barbie themes the whole retreat, seeing our practice via a pink lens. I am often struck by the contrast between the liberation theology of Zen and the actual patriarchal structures within Zen practices, some so embedded that they are hard to see. And what can happen when we wake up to that tension and try to dismantle it. Is Ruth Handler the female ancestor that remained forgotten and unsaid? And Barbie ends up taking her name. Well done and thank you for this dharma talk!
When I show up in my pink Birkenstocks at the next retreat, you'll know why! :) This is such an important point. (How recently we even started doing a female lineage chant!) You're right, Barbie taking Ruth's name *is* significant, as is Ruth's hidden ghost kitchen in the office building. So many layers to Barbie!
Along the lines of the Buddhist theme, I was struck by the awesome compassion of the movie — for all genders, it turns out…. and even for the stiffs in the Mattel corporation. No one escapes suffering.
This was so good. I love the idea of Barbie as spiritual seeker. I think the idea of Barbie looking for a better way of being herself--a better way of being in the world--might be part of why this movie connected so deeply with people.
I love that you were thinking about the Barbie themes the whole retreat, seeing our practice via a pink lens. I am often struck by the contrast between the liberation theology of Zen and the actual patriarchal structures within Zen practices, some so embedded that they are hard to see. And what can happen when we wake up to that tension and try to dismantle it. Is Ruth Handler the female ancestor that remained forgotten and unsaid? And Barbie ends up taking her name. Well done and thank you for this dharma talk!
When I show up in my pink Birkenstocks at the next retreat, you'll know why! :) This is such an important point. (How recently we even started doing a female lineage chant!) You're right, Barbie taking Ruth's name *is* significant, as is Ruth's hidden ghost kitchen in the office building. So many layers to Barbie!
Great review, Keishin.
Along the lines of the Buddhist theme, I was struck by the awesome compassion of the movie — for all genders, it turns out…. and even for the stiffs in the Mattel corporation. No one escapes suffering.
Thanks, Roshi, I couldn't agree more! I was so worried they were just going to condemn Ken/the Kens, but I found the resolution really touching.
This was so good. I love the idea of Barbie as spiritual seeker. I think the idea of Barbie looking for a better way of being herself--a better way of being in the world--might be part of why this movie connected so deeply with people.
Thanks, I think so, too! It *is* a classic Joseph Campbell story structure for a reason, I suppose.