Intolerant trends continue in Middle East: “Barbie” bans highlight societal divides

Barbie faces bans and restrictions in Kuwait and Lebanon, based on concerns over the movie's content surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. This trend highlights the region's ongoing clash with conservative values and LGBTQ+ rights. Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has grossed $459 million in the United States and $572 million abroad, exceeding the $1 billion global box office mark. This marks the first instance of a film directed by a woman achieving such a feat.

But, Kuwait and Vietnam have outrightly banned Barbie, citing reasons that reflect the preservation of societal norms and political sensitivities. Lebanon has witnessed Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada's call to prohibit the film due to concerns about its impact on values, including gender roles and sexual orientation, leading to the ban of the movie.

Kuwait's ban, enforced on August 9, was explained by the state-run news agency KUNA as a measure to combat the infiltration of "ideas and beliefs that are alien to Kuwaiti society and public order." This stance underscores the country's commitment to its conservative traditions amid a changing global landscape.

In Lebanon, the situation takes a more complex turn. While "Barbie" does not overtly depict LGBTQ+ themes, Minister Mortada's assertion that the film "promotes homosexuality and sexual transformation" highlights a broader struggle within the nation. Amidst Lebanon's history of relative tolerance, powerful religious and political groups have gained influence, leading to increased scrutiny of LGBTQ+ issues. Mortada's move aligns with a broader campaign that brings together factions opposed to LGBTQ+ rights, including Hezbollah and conservative religious leaders.

Vietnam's ban, on the other hand, stems from a specific scene involving a map featuring the disputed "nine-dash line," reflecting China's territorial claims in the South China Sea. This move, while not related to LGBTQ+ issues, demonstrates the influence of geopolitical tensions on cultural and artistic expression.

Amidst the bans, a pattern of intolerance continues to emerge. This trend is exemplified by the bans on Barbie, the abrupt removal of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) from cinema listings, and the banning of the Australian horror film Talk To Me (2022). In Iraq, authorities prohibited the use of the term "homosexuality," opting for "sexual deviance" in media and education. 

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) was screened in Lebanon, despite regional bans, featuring a lesbian couple. Similarly, Eternals (2021), featuring the first gay kiss in Marvel, faced bans in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. These incidents underscore ongoing debates on LGBTQ+ representation and geopolitical sensitivities in the region. As the region navigates its path between tradition and progress, the bans serve as a reminder of the complexities surrounding free expression and cultural acceptance in the Middle East.