Warner Bros.’s blockbuster hit Barbie has faced controversy in the Middle East, with reports stating that the film has been banned in Algeria due to objections over its themes of gender and sexuality. According to Reuters, screenings of Barbie in Algeria that began on July 21 have been halted, as the film is said to “promote homosexuality and other Western deviances” and go against the country’s religious and cultural values.
Algeria is not the only country in the region to ban Barbie. Kuwait has also prohibited screenings of the movie. However, in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, the film was released after initial censorship threats and edits. Despite facing criticism and opposition, Barbie has still managed to attract audiences worldwide.
In Lebanon, a country known for being relatively liberal when it comes to LGBTQ rights, Barbie also faced backlash. The culture minister, Mohammad Mortada, claimed that the film “promotes homosexuality” and undermines the importance of the family unit, contradicting religious and moral values.
Meanwhile, Barbie continues to perform well at the box office. The Greta Gerwig-directed film has grossed an estimated $33.7 million in North America, making it the ninth-biggest fourth weekend of all time. It has surpassed the $500 million mark domestically and earned $657 million overseas, resulting in a global total of $1.18 billion. This achievement has made Gerwig the highest-grossing female director domestically, surpassing Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, the directors of Frozen II.
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Despite the controversy and banning in some Middle Eastern countries, Warner Bros. has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the situation. It remains to be seen how Barbie will be received in other regions and if the film’s success will outweigh the objections raised by certain countries.
The banning of Barbie in Algeria highlights the ongoing clash between Western entertainment and conservative values in the Middle East. Countries in the region have often been resistant to Hollywood films that challenge traditional gender roles and explore LGBTQ themes. As globalization and the influence of Western media continue to grow, cultural clashes like these will likely persist.
Furthermore, this controversy raises questions about the role of censorship and the limitation of artistic expression. While countries have the right to protect their religious and cultural values, banning films like Barbie restricts freedom of speech and restricts access to diverse perspectives. It poses challenges for filmmakers who want to address important social issues but face opposition from conservative societies.
In conclusion, Barbie’s banning in Algeria due to its themes of gender and sexuality reflects broader cultural clashes in the Middle East. Despite facing opposition in some countries, the film has achieved significant success globally. The controversy surrounding Barbie raises important questions about censorship and the freedom of artistic expression. As the influence of Western media continues to spread, clashes between conservative values and progressive themes in entertainment will likely persist.
