One user on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu shared a guide for how women can test their boyfriends based on their reaction to the film.

For some women in China, “Barbie” is more than just a movie — it’s also a litmus test for their partner’s views on feminism and patriarchy.

The movie has prompted intense social media discussion online, media outlets Sixth Tone and the China Project reported this week, prompting women to discuss their own dating experiences.

One user on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu — a photo-sharing site similar to Instagram that’s mostly used by Gen Z women — even shared a guide on Monday for how women can test their boyfriends based on their reaction to the film.

According to the guide, if a man shows hatred for “Barbie” and slams female directors after they leave the theatre, then this man is “stingy” and a “toxic chauvinist,” according to Insider’s translation of the post. Conversely, if a man understands even half of the movie’s themes, “then he is likely a normal guy with normal values and stable emotions,” the user wrote.

  • SjatarEnglish
    54•1 year ago

    I think it’s healthy to observe your partners reaction to things. Especially when it comes to things that are quite important for a long term relationship, like their thoughts about gender roles. If you organically went to see the movie and your partner is clearly displaying red flags from it, then that’s just good (not the red flags but that you now know).

    I guess the trickery of going to assess them specifically can be seen as a asshole move. But I think it’s a good move compared to alternatives ^^

    • @SouthernCanadian@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      9•1 year ago

      Being manipulative is a good alternative compared to just being direct and asking your partner what they think? I’m sure someone who is going to throw a fit about the Barbie movie will be happy to tell you what they think about feminism if you just ask.

      • @new_acct_who_dis@lemmy.worldEnglish
        12•1 year ago

        How many dudes on dating apps say they’re “not into politics” because they know admitting they’re conservative will diminish their dating pool?

        Women know better than to only listen to words. They’ve been trained to watch for actions as well.

      • SjatarEnglish
        5•1 year ago

        I don’t see it as more manipulative then to ask leading questions to assess anybodies stance on subjects ^^ Especially when it’s a way to shield yourself from real harm that might be caused by the party you are probing information from.

    • @Torvum@lemmy.worldEnglish
      8•1 year ago

      Movies are not a good basis on someone’s perception of anything. Their interactions with reality are.

      • @WindInTrees@lemmy.worldEnglish
        11•1 year ago

        Many movies are based on real-life or have pertinent real-life themes. They depict something “fake” in order to communicate a truth about real life.