Skip to main content

Fashion, Feminism, and Michael Cera: How Allan Ignored Masculinity and Inspired Hope in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie

by Emily Duff

In Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, fashion, feminism, and a sprinkle of Michael Cera’s charm collide. 


DISCLOSURE: OUR REVIEW OF BARBIE DOES NOT

CROSS PICKET LINES OF THE SAG AFTRA & WGA STRIKE


WARNING: SPOILERS FROM THE BARBIE MOVIE AHEAD 


Surrounded by Barbies and Kens, there’s only one Allan.


Although a side character, Allan, brought to life by Michael Cera, will steal your heart - and, perhaps, shed some light on a crucial feminist message too.


Now, we’re not here to start praising men like Allan for the bare minimum. Instead, we see Allan as a symbol. 



When you’re in a world of Kens who not only want to overpower you but also take whats yours with no remorse, it can be hard to see the Allan’s amongst the crowd. And that’s where blanket statements like “I hate men” come in. 


But those like Allan won’t take offence. In a world of toxic masculinity, Allan's presence is like a breath of fresh air, reminding us that true masculinity lies in compassion and empathy.


Dominated by chiseled Kens, Allan is lanky and pale - far from the usual tan and muscular stereotype. 


While, like the Kens, Allan is a man, his manhood does not seem to mirror that of the Kens.


When we first encounter Allan, he's the awkward guy on the side of the action, seemingly overlooked by those around him.


While Kens spend their days pining after Barbies, Allan spends his own time pining after Ken; where the others never lose their smiles, Allan pairs his beachwear with a frown - he doesn’t conform to those around him. 


From the outset, he exhibits a general discomfort with the status quo - arguably, a testament to breaking gender norms.


His trademark outfit consists of navy short-shorts and a rainbow button-down. Need we say more?


The awkwardness of Allan’s first appearance is perfect. 


When all the Barbies and Kens exchange their morning greetings, Allan’s sudden appearance in the group is treated like a surprise. From the narrator, Helen Mirren, we also learn, “There are no multiples of Allan. He’s just Allan.”


As we get into the plot and are amidst the power shift in Barbie World, where Barbies role has been flipped on his head, Allan remains uneasy despite the change seemingly being of benefit to him. 


He's not interested in the superficial pleasures that the other Kens indulge in. 


Although more gentle natured than the rest, Allan proves to be tougher than all the Kens combined when faced with an emergency. 


During a confrontation with a group of construction workers, he steps up to defend Barbie and demonstrates that actual strength can come from your character, rather than your appearance.


In fact, one of the most endearing aspects of Allan is his unwavering sense of self. 


As one-of-a-kind, he knows exactly who he is and what he stands for. He doesn't let the allure of notability or power sway him from doing what's right. 


In the midst of the film’s discussions about toxic masculinity, it's important to remember that feminism is not anti-men. 


Allan's character stands as a beacon of hope for feminists, showcasing that using the help of men like Allan can coexist with the pursuit of gender equality. 


He breaks the stereotype of "not all men" being an excuse and instead shows that being one-of-a-kind and true to oneself is the coolest way to navigate a world full of ego-driven replicas.


When you know who you are and what’s right, you’re smart and empathetic enough to know that “not all men” is not actually an argument. 


While he is not the focus of the movie and Allan may be just Allan, he's a powerful symbol of hope and inclusivity in Barbieland. 


And with Michael Cera's magic touch, he steals the show and our hearts in 2023’s hit fashionably feminist film, Barbie. 

Most Popular

Fashion For a Cause: Brands That Stand with Palestine and the history of fashion as a form of Activism

by Oana-Maria Moldovan For over two months, there has been an ongoing genocide war in Gaza. To simplify a long and horrific issue, the situation that started, on a larger scale, around one hundred years ago, and has only become amplified since October 7th 2023. Taking place around the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Israel–Lebanon border, the armed conflict is between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups.  The problem is about “stolen” land. Said land is seen as an important holy part of both religions involved. But really, how holy can we consider a land to be, if people kill other people for it? It’s important to remember that this genocide is about three things: forced occupation, zionism, and religion. It’s also important to remember what ethnic erasure is. This terrible expresion, also known as cultural or ethnic assimilation, refers to the process by which the distinct cultural or ethnic identity of a particular group is gradually diminished or erased, often due to...
Read more

Now What? The Aftermath of the 'Manic Pixie Dream Girl'

by Susan Moore Here is a bit about me: I am an open, excitable, creative AFAB who is also moderately attractive. I have a unique sense of personal style and a personality that on the surface can only be described as “bubbly” and “quirky”. For this reason, dating is a nightmare. To be sure, I do not have a hard time finding dates or potential suitors. The problems arise when said dates spend some time with me and decide that I am a rare specimen, and the connection they feel with me is “unlike anything they have felt before”. Then, things go one of two ways.  Either a) they decide I am too high maintenance and no longer palatable, or  b) they choose to never look further than the surface and are content to date the idea of me rather than the real me. There is something rather interesting, perhaps funny, about my situation. It is in no way unique. I have met so many people who constantly dealt with the same problem. Even funnier still, is the fact that there is a trope that simu...
Read more

Victoria’s Secret's Downfall: Lack of Diversity and the Reimagined Fashion Show That Aims to Save the Brand

by Ally McLaren For 23 years, Victoria's Secret dazzled the world with its extravagant annual Fashion Show, but in 2019, the event was abruptly canceled.  This decision, however, wasn't entirely surprising. The brand had faced mounting criticism for its lack of diversity, which contributed to declining ratings and scandals behind the scenes.  Now, Victoria's Secret is attempting to reinvent itself with a new fashion show concept. Will this be enough to save the brand from its troubled past? The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was once renowned for its bejeweled bras, angel wings, and A-list performances. Despite thus, its popularity waned due to the brand's refusal to embrace diversity.  Public outcry intensified in 2018 when the show's organizer, Edward Razek, made controversial remarks about not featuring plus-size or transgender models, suggesting it didn't align with the brand's fantasy image.  Moreover, revelations about the brand's former CEO...
Read more