Bill Maher, the Emmy-award-winning host of HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, recently took to Twitter to slam the new “Barbie” movie for its “man-hating” message and “ZombieLie.”
OK, “Barbie”: I was hoping it wouldn’t be preachy, man-hating, and a #ZombieLie – alas, it was all three. What is a Zombie Lie? Something that never was true, but certain people refuse to stop saying it (tax cuts for the rich increase revenues, e.g.); OR something that USED to be…
— Bill Maher (@billmaher) August 7, 2023
Maher, who finally saw the movie and recognized it to be the lifestyle the movie set out to portray, explained his stance to his 10.8 million followers in a lengthy post.
In his tweet, Maher explained how the Greta Gerwig-directed movie had a Mattel board made up of twelve white men, claiming that this was the personification of patriarchy. Yet, in the real world, the board is seven men and five women, which proves that times have changed.
He added that the Barbie characters were told to prove themselves to the Ken dolls by “acting helpless and not know[ing] how to do stuff,” which he calls an outdated concept where women do not have to be insecure about themselves or their capabilities.
This isn’t the first time an issue has arisen regarding the film’s messaging. Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro has also shared his take on the movie. He explains how he believes the production and set designs are unique but doesn’t seem to enjoy the movie for the message it portrays.
Although Maher enjoyed the movie, he was sure to make a point that directors shouldn’t ignore the world we currently live in and must try to stay true to the reality surrounding us. He tweeted, “Let’s live in the year we’re living in! Hi Ken!!!”
With the rise of feminist movements, it’s essential to stay true to the ideas feminism represents and stay away from the antiquated notions of what it means to be liberated. As we progress in this ever-changing landscape, it is essential to create art that reflects the times and is self-aware of the world and its people.
My producers dragged me to see ‘Barbie’ and it was one of the most woke movies I have ever seen. My full review of this flaming garbage heap of a film will be out on my YouTube channel tomorrow at 10am ET. pic.twitter.com/Lptha0p3qx
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) July 21, 2023
This important lesson has been reiterated by Maher and Shapiro alike.