The Ambivalence of the Construction of Female Figure as a Hero in Barbie in Princess Power

Zahra Zulfi Khoirun Nissa (Sebelas Maret University)

Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, dan Studi Amerika
Vol 25, No 1 (2019)

This research outlines the embodiment of the aspect of heroism and traditional femininity of a female figure in Barbie in Princess Power. The title of the movie undeniably raises a question on the conflicting image between masculine heroism and traditional femininity. Thus, this research aims to explore whether the movie embodies the aspect of heroism or perpetuates the traditional feminine figure. The finding reveals that women are constructed to glorify the femininity and to remain on the domestic sphere. Though the movie portrays some aspects of heroism which entails an active role in public sphere, the journey is diminished through the normalization of female figure in order to drag women into its natural sphere, to become a heroine.