Barbie becomes a real woman in Greta Gerwig’s summer 2023 blockbuster. Barbie’s journey continues in consultation with a therapist in Dr. Karyne Messina’s latest and bestselling book, "Barbie and the Great American Identity Crisis." In this podcast episode, Dr. Messina explores the complex world of identity using Barbie as a mechanism to understand the American identity crisis, stolen identities, and the impact of Barbie's unattainable beauty standards on self-confidence. Tune in as Dr. Messina discuss psychoanalysis, patriarchy, and community healing while highlighting the importance of critical thinking, self-awareness, and intentional living. An insightful discussion that challenges conventional norms and sparks introspection.
Dr. Messina is a psychoanalyst, author, and podcast host. I focus on promoting the development of the mind and human relationships while also advancing scholarly and social progress.
Find Dr. Messina's books here: https://www.drkarynemessina.com/
Read Dr. Messina's newsletter: https://substack.com/@drkarynemessina
Listen to Dr. Messina's podcast: https://newbooksnetwork.com/hosts/profile/6c40ab19-ae97-4e52-b9fd-b50dfc6b0fc5
What is psychoanalysis? Learn more here and why it's suddenly making a comeback: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/22/style/freud-psychoanalysis.html
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Karen Messina and her book 'Barbie and the Great American Identity Crisis'
02:22 Exploring the Concept of Identity and its Importance
04:16 The Collective Identity Crisis in America
07:03 The Role of Projection and Projective Identification in Identity Formation
08:16 Barbie's Impact on Body Image and Self-Confidence
26:26 Implications of Projective Identification and Identity in America
28:25 The Power of Psychoanalysis
34:00 Exploring the Impact of Patriarchy
39:17 The Dark Side of the Internet
45:29 Living Life with Intention
47:23 Healing Communities through Truth and Reconciliation
