Barbie Controversy: Why is it Banned in Some Countries?

It's not for the reason you think.

One of the most anticipated releases this summer is director Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Billed as a movie to see whether you love or hate Barbie, it brings to life the doll first introduced in 1959. Censors in Vietnam and possibly the Philippines have decided to ban its release not because of the action, characters, or dialogue but for including a map both countries say violates their sovereignty.

Why the Ban?

The above image highlights the source of the controversy: the dashed line to the right of a blue area labeled "Asia." Known as the "nine-dash" or "cow's tongue" line, it is used by the People's Republic of China to indicate its territorial waters in the South China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, other countries which border the South China Sea, and the International Tribunal at The Hague say the line illegally extends into their territorial waters and threatens their sovereignty. These countries view any depiction of these lines being legitimate are sufficient grounds to ban any show or title, as many have done recently, including Sony's " Uncharted " and DreamWorks " Abominable ."

When Imagination and Cultural Sensitivities Collide

Despite the words "Real World Map" at the top, the map is not, nor was it intended to be, a real-world map. Warner Brothers Studios, the film's distributor, said as much in a statement made to Variety. "The doodles depict Barbie's make-believe journey from Barbie Land to the 'real world.' It was not intended to make any type of statement." Lines of this sort are often used in movies to show the path of a journey from one place to another, such as in the original "Raiders of the Lost Ark" film that depicts Jones' travels through the Middle East and Africa. The controversy could be a misunderstanding between the film's creators and regulators.

While it may be difficult for those outside the region to understand the political and cultural sensitivities, care should be taken not to dismiss them as "unimportant" or "insignificant." Territory matters as much to countries as their language, culture, and customs. Time will tell if other countries adopt the same interpretation and join the ban.

The best way to avoid regulatory and brand issues is to have Spherex assess your titles for potential problems. Contact us to learn how.

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