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Bonus Episode –

Barbie isn't anti-man – it's anti-patriarchy

“If you are a guy who doesn't like the Barbie movie, it means you probably don't like patriarchy.” Liz Plank

The Barbie movie has sparked great controversy. While some claim it to be “anti-man” others view it as a strategic call out to the challenges both men and women face on a regular basis. We've learned to view the world through a patriarchal lens, so when it's flipped only then can we see how those in power mistreat those who aren't.  This is pro-anyone wanting secure relating and mutuality – all genders welcome!

Ann and Sue are joined by Liz Plank to dive into the symbolism of the Barbie movie and how it applies to real life and secure relating. Listen now to explore patriarchy, masculinity, and the hierarchies of our society – and important steps we can take to build security through vulnerability for a more inclusive world.

“Pro-patriarchy hurts everyone where feminism liberates everyone.” – Liz Plank

Patriarchy reversed – Secure relating and Barbie

Time Stamps for Barbie Movie 

5:30 – Finding security comes through vulnerability

10:12 – Looking at the different layers of feminism in the movie

14:29 – Understanding matriarchy

20:22 – Symbols of vulnerability

25:16 – Break down of Ken’s characters' correlation between dominance and lack of happiness

26:51 – Men and understanding their idealized masculinity

33:54 – Why the “all men are bad” narrative can be destructive to feminism

37:04 – Break down of America Ferrera’s speech

39:01 – Reimagining masculinity for growth

46:51 – Who is Barbie?

51:18 – Correlation between power and mirror neuron system disengagement

57:51 – Do men and women feel security in the same ways?

1:03:59 – Toxic invulnerability instead of toxic masculinity

1:08:22 – Looking beyond the gender binary for repair

1:10:52 – Reframing to understanding inclusive hierarchies & masculinity are not all bad

About our Guest – Liz Plank 

Liz is an award-winning journalist, international bestselling author and has been the executive producer and host of several critically acclaimed digital series at Vox Media and NBC News. She is the CEO of Liz Plank Productions and is a columnist for MSNBC and has been listed as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30, Mediaite’s Most Influential in News Media, and Marie Claire’s Most Powerful Women, and was named one of the World’s Most Influential People in Gender Policy by Apolitical. Liz regularly appears on national and international television programs to provide a perspective on politics, gender issues, and reproductive rights, including The Today Show, The Daily Show, MSNBC, CNN, ABC News, Fusion, Al-Jazeera America, and BBC World. Through her activism and creative approach to journalism, Liz has made it her mission to elevate the voices of those who are often not heard. Before becoming a journalist, Liz worked at a community center for people with disabilities and was a researcher and behavioral science consultant at the London School of Economics, from which she holds a master's degree in policy with an emphasis on global gender politics.

Resources for today's episode on the Barbie movie 

Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions – CDC study on isolation

“Man Enough – Dating, Consent, Boundaries & Respect” – podcast with Jamey Heath & Justin Baldoni

Barbie Movie – Info, description, cast & characters

Don't Think of an Elephant!: Know Your Values & Frame the Debate by George Lakoff – Book referenced by Liz Plank

Armchair Expert Podcast: Synced – New podcast with Monica Padman

Airplane Mode –  Liz Plank's Substack

@feministafabulous – Liz Plank's Instagram

@lizplank– Liz Plank's Tiktok

Facebook – Liz Plank's Facebook page

For the Love of Men: From Toxic to a More Mindful Masculinity – Liz Plank's Book

Elizabeth Planks' Website – Resources, bios, and important links

TU119: For the Love of Men, Rethinking Masculinity with Liz Plank

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We support mental health access to those traditionally left out of mainstream healthcare and use a portion of the income we receive from corporate sponsors to do just that!  We can only do that with the help of our Patrons – joining as a TU Neuronerd Podsquad premium subscriber, you support this mission and get a dedicated ad-free feed plus occasional very cool and unique study opportunities, reading groups, and unique surprises!  We invite you to join our community. Click here to join! 

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