Lexi White & Brianna Wallen – General Reporter
When you hear the word ‘Barbie,’ what do you think of? Maybe the color pink? Feminism? The very popular “Barbie,” starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling? Well, the Businesswomen in Leadership and ProCon Committee hosted an event that contained all three of these factors!
Barbie Night occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 5:30 p.m. A good number of students came to show their support and grab some snacks. The organizers started “Barbie” at 6:30 p.m.
Businesswomen in Leadership and ProCon hosted this event together due to Businesswomen in Leadership’s relationship with the film’s subject matter and ProCon’s reputation of putting together fun events on campus.
There were plenty of tables draped in bright pink tablecloths. On top of those tables were a great deal of pink treats, such as cookies, cotton candy, starbursts and kettle corn.
Lisa Marotta, the co-coordinator of Businesswomen in Leadership, said the committee picked out this theme to highlight the female empowerment theme within the film.
“This theme is about the message behind the movie. My daughter has seen the movie, and she said it was very inspiring. For us, it seemed like a no-brainer to show this movie because it is a wonderful opportunity to bring the students together and have a fun environment,” said Marotta.
Working alongside Marotta in the Leadership program is business major Wajiha Ali, a junior.
“The Barbie Movie came out a few months ago, and it was a trend to wear pink when going to see it in theaters,” Ali said. “So, I thought, why not bring that trend to Southern? It seemed like it would be such a fun, hyped-up event to host.”
Students that attended the event enjoyed the pink theme as well. Graphic design major, Risana Ahmed, a sophomore who watched the movie in the summer, said that she was excited to have the opportunity to have another viewing experience.
“I like Barbie, and she’s associated with the color pink, and I love pink,” Ahmed said.
Barbie fanatic or not, all the Barbies and Kens were able to enjoy the screening of the film and get involved.
“This event helped me to get involved on campus and connect with other students,” Ahmed said. “I also enjoyed the activities and the food.”
This was English major Jessica Brescia, a sophomore’s, first time watching the movie. She said that she is excited for what the movie has to offer.
“I’m excited to see how they portray real world experiences for women,” Brescia said.
For those who have seen the movie, the film’s theme resonates differently with viewers. Ahmed said that she related to the theme of self-discovery.
“The theme is to learn how to love yourself and have confidence,” Ahmed said.
For others, the film highlights an eye-opening message to society about the challenges women face every day. Business major Taylor Greca, a sophomore, said that she urges everyone, not just women, to watch the movie.
“I think it’s a great message for everyone, especially women. I think it’s important for everyone to watch it because it opens their eye to the real world,” Greca said. “I had some of those experiences in the movie.”
A guest viewer, Antona Brent Smith, said that the movie accurately portrayed women’s struggles in society.
“Being a woman is never enough,” Smith said.
Whether it is about a woman’s physical appearance, role in the workplace, or even in their own family, the movie portrays the reality that a woman’s job is never seen as enough.
