Barbie has made headlines again. The lack of recognition of the work of Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie in the Director and Best Actress category nominations for the film Barbie at the upcoming 96th Oscar Academy Awards has caused an uproar with the internet regarding it as ‘anti-feminist’. However, the nomination of their co-star, America Ferrera, has yet to be widely noticed. Is it only anti-feminist to dismiss White women?

The success of the film is something that cannot be denied. It topped Oppenheimer, which launched the same day and earned over 1 billion dollars in just the first three weeks of the film’s release in theatres, making it the fourth largest in United States history. Also, Greta Gerwig, the director of Barbie, made history as the first female independent filmmaker of a billion-dollar film.

What is the problem? There’s an overarching idea that neglecting to award this historic film undermines the film’s feminist ideals portrayed by showcasing empowered women. But listen to this – the film was nominated in eight categories, including the recognition of Greta for Best Screenplay and Margot as executive producer of Best Picture – but not for Best Director and Best Actress.

Along with this, America Ferrera was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in the film. If this is all about feminism, then why should the success of Barbie be attached to two individuals? Who should not have been nominated instead?

Former United States of America Secretary of State Hillary Clinton tweeted, “Greta & Margot, While it can sting to win the box office but not take home the gold, your millions of fans love you. You’re both so much more than Kenough.” – Well, if it isn’t surface-level support, disregarding any kind of inclusivity for other women!

The overshadowing of the contributions made by women who are not White was present in the #MeToo movement for the protection and support of abuse victims, where the long-standing impact of American activist Tarana Burke, dating as far back as 2006, was hardly mentioned. Instead, the prominent voices were famous and affluent White actors.

Being furious about Greta and Margot and discrediting the accomplishments of other nominees serves to highlight how America’s feminism is still primarily focused on White women. This highlights feminism, particularly the opposites present in White feminism.

Ensuring that women and girls have equal possibilities in life as men and boys is a top priority for feminism. It also entails opposing and overturning the current structures that promote discrimination and inequality based on gender. Fundamentally, feminism advocates for equal treatment, opportunities, and rights for all genders.

White feminism, a branch of feminism primarily addressing the issues of affluent White women, often unintentionally excludes a broad spectrum of women. An academic writer, Rachel Cargle, aptly criticises this approach as behaviour masquerading as feminism, conditional upon comfort and personal gain.

This form of feminism frequently alienates other women, particularly evident in the Barbie nominations controversy, where narratives centralise White women, sidelining others like America Ferrera.

For further insights, I contacted three alums from my Gender Studies program at UCT, all self-identified feminists. Jade (24) remarked sharply, “This is peak White feminism! While Greta and Margot might eventually win awards, Black women like Angela Bassett, despite her brilliance, face a much longer struggle for recognition.”

Amy (25) expressed a broader critique: “White feminism hinders all feminist progress. America Ferrera only recently won her first Oscar for Barbie, yet there’s more uproar over two White women not getting nominated. It’s time to face reality.”

Zinhle (23) added, “It’s presumptuous to deem eight nominations, including one well-deserved, adequate. This performative outrage epitomises White feminism.”

In essence, White feminism often fails to meet other women where they are, instead setting a bar for them to be recognised for their talents and contributions, a stance that strays from true feminist principles.

In your view, does the commotion surrounding the Barbie Oscar nominations promote the principles of feminism? Why or why not?