The final Ken war turning into a dance battle is another example of how the film explores toxic masculinity and how dismantling it helps men form deeper emotional bonds. The Ken’s are not a united force. They allow jealousy and competition over the Barbie’s to get in the way of their relationships with one another. This is one of the reasons why they’re so hurt by the Barbie’s lack of interest, as the only form of praise or attention they get is from them. This plays into the issue of men not allowing themselves to be emotionally vulnerable with their male friends, and instead often pushing their turmoils onto women in their life. And when these women can not or will not shoulder their emotional burden they lash out.
The Ken’s go to war in a traditionally masculine way, with horses and weapons. But it isn’t until they start their dance battle that we see them stepping back away from toxic masculinity.
The Ken’s initially dance in competition, which is reminiscent of the former dance sequence in the movie. At Barbies dream house the Barbie’s dance together in unity, with love and admiration for one another. They are basking in their sisterhood and having fun. Meanwhile the Ken’s dance with the intention to impress the Barbie’s. They are in competition with one another, dancing in unison but not as one.
In the final dance battle this changes. The Ken’s begin to dance together, in unity. And we see as they begin to look at one another as genuine friends their actions become softer and more emotional (eg; kissing eachother on the cheek and hand holding). They are no longer mimicking the men Ken had read about, and instead allowing themselves to form the healthy, emotional friendships men are often discouraged from having. Under patriarchy men lose the chance to be caring and loving with their friends. They are told to bottle up their emotions and not express their feelings in a gentle manner. Being deprived of this emotional depth hurts men and their future relationships. And it is why the Ken’s are only able to begin finding acceptance in themselves and their identities once they allow themselves to be open with people other than just Barbie.
