Shakira Opens Up: She and Her Sons Found 'Barbie' Emasculating - A Candid Reflection on Gender Stereotypes in Toys

While numerous celebrities have expressed their admiration for Greta Gerwig's highly successful film "Barbie," Shakira is offering a different perspective.

In a profile and cover story for Allure, the Colombian pop star, whose new album "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" (Women No Longer Cry) explores themes of empowerment after overcoming heartbreak, was questioned about her views on the Oscar-winning movie.

Shakira responded candidly, stating, "My sons really disliked it. They felt that it undermined masculinity. And I concur, to some extent."

"I'm raising two boys. I want them to feel empowered while also respecting women. I appreciate pop culture when it empowers women without diminishing men's ability to be men, to protect and provide," she elaborated.

Shakira further clarified her statement, saying, "I believe in equipping women with all the tools and trust that we can achieve anything without losing our essence, without sacrificing our femininity. I think men have a role in society, and women have another role as well. We complement each other, and that dynamic should not be lost."

Interviewer Patricia Alfonso Tortolani, seemingly surprised by Shakira's views, asked, "Just because a woman can do it all doesn’t mean she should?"

Shakira replied, "Why not share the load with those who deserve to carry it, who have a responsibility to carry it as well?"

Alfonso Tortolani observed that Shakira's stance on Barbie is part of what she calls the "Shakira Paradox." She believes that women deserve all the power, agency, and sexuality they choose to embody or express. However, it doesn't contradict her brand of feminism to expect men to fulfill traditional masculine roles.

Despite Shakira's dislike for "Barbie," the film was a commercial success. It made history as the first movie directed solely by a woman to gross over $1 billion. Additionally, it received eight Oscar nominations and won for Best Original Song.

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