Barbie Summer to Bama Rush

And not one reference to Ken's Casa Mojo Dojo House

I loved the Barbie movie. Stunning visuals. Smart writing. Dance numbers. Loved it. And yes, America Ferrera’s monologue got me on my feet and Billie Eilish’s song brought me to tears.  It was a thoughtful movie that was also entertaining. A tough balance. And it made a boatload of money. Barbie, Taylor Swift, Beyonce all brought in big cash dollars this summer, showing that women want to spend on a feeling. A feeling that says, yeah girl, you matter. So get dressed up, gather your squad, and get out there and live your best life.

The thing is - the feeling of the movie, the concert, the moment is completely personal. No matter what your bestie is saying or what the critics may put out there in a review. I sat there in that theater and felt stuff. The humans around me were having feelings too, and while Ferrera’s monologue hits hard, which line or sentiment that put me over the top is going to be individual and uniquely mine. Every woman I know who went to see Queen Bey or are part of the Swiftie fandom had their very personal reaction to these concerts. Laying out the money to travel to, dress for and attend the concert are more than about the selfies - it’s about the experience of feeling. Live events are special. Beyonce can dominate a televised performance, T Swift can sing her heart out, and we can watch every minute of the stars’ arrival for the Barbie premier on our Twitter feed or stream the movie in our living room, but it’s not the same as being there with others. 

I was riding high on the Barbie summer, knowing that women-run businesses were literally fueling an economic recovery of sorts, and then I found myself going down the rabbit hole of Alabama Rush TikTok, and my spirit was shattered.