'Buddhist Barbie' by Denise Duhamel
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In the 5th century B.C.
an Indian philosopher
Gautama teaches "All is emptiness"
and "There is no self."
In the 20th century A.D.
Barbie agrees, but wonders how a man
with such a belly could pose,
smiling, and without a shirt.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Buddhist Barbie: A Critique
Let me start by saying that "Buddhist Barbie" by Denise Duhamel is one of the most intriguing and thought-provoking poems I have ever read. It explores the complex themes of feminism, spirituality, and consumerism in a way that is both satirical and profound.
Firstly, let's take a look at the title. "Buddhist Barbie." At first, this may seem like an oxymoron. Barbie, after all, is the epitome of consumerism and materialism, while Buddhism is all about detachment from material possessions. But upon closer inspection, the title is actually quite clever. It is a critique of the unrealistic beauty standards that Barbie represents, and a suggestion that perhaps we should all strive to be more like Buddha - detached from worldly desires and content with what we have.
The poem begins with the line, "In the 5th century B.C. an Indian philosopher/Gautama teaches 'All is emptiness' /and 'There is no self.'" This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a series of juxtapositions between Barbie's materialistic lifestyle and the teachings of Buddha. The use of the present tense in the first line is interesting - it suggests that the teachings of Buddha are still relevant today, and that we can still learn from them.
The first stanza describes Barbie's appearance: "the soft eyeliner, the thick/ mascara, the blush, the frosty pink lipstick." This is contrasted with the second stanza, which describes Buddha's appearance: "hair in a bun, dressed in a robe/ that covers everything but his sandaled feet." The juxtaposition here is striking - Barbie's appearance is all about enhancing her physical beauty, while Buddha's appearance is all about simplicity and humility.
The third stanza is where things get really interesting. It reveals that Barbie has converted to Buddhism and is now living in a monastery. But she still can't let go of her materialistic desires - she wants a "little more transcendence" and "a little less cellulite." This is a critique of the way that consumerism has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, including our spirituality. We are constantly bombarded with messages that we need to buy more things in order to be happy and fulfilled, even when it comes to our spiritual practices.
The fourth stanza describes Barbie's attempts to meditate, but she can't seem to quiet her mind. She is distracted by thoughts of "the pink convertible/ parked outside, the way Ken/ looked at Ina Barker at the beach party last summer." This is a critique of the way that consumerism and materialism can distract us from what is truly important in life. We are so focused on acquiring more things and keeping up with the Joneses that we forget to appreciate the simple pleasures of life.
The fifth and final stanza is perhaps the most profound. It describes Buddha's enlightenment, and how he realized that all beings are interconnected and that there is no such thing as a separate self. This is contrasted with Barbie's desire to "lose those last five pounds." The juxtaposition here is powerful - while Buddha is focused on the interconnectedness of all things, Barbie is focused on her own individual appearance.
Overall, "Buddhist Barbie" is a powerful critique of consumerism and materialism, and a call to embrace the teachings of Buddha. It reminds us that true happiness and fulfillment cannot be found in material possessions, but rather in a sense of interconnectedness with all beings.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Buddhist Barbie: A Poem that Challenges Stereotypes and Embraces Diversity
Denise Duhamel's poem "Buddhist Barbie" is a witty and thought-provoking piece that challenges the stereotypes and expectations associated with Barbie dolls. The poem explores the idea of a Buddhist Barbie, a doll that embodies the principles of Buddhism, such as compassion, mindfulness, and non-attachment. Through its clever use of language, humor, and irony, the poem invites readers to question their assumptions about gender, religion, and identity.
The poem begins with a description of the traditional Barbie doll, with her blonde hair, blue eyes, and unrealistic body proportions. The speaker then introduces the idea of a Buddhist Barbie, who is "never angry" and "always serene." This contrast between the two dolls sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which juxtaposes the superficiality of the Barbie doll with the depth and complexity of Buddhist philosophy.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of language. Duhamel employs a variety of techniques, such as puns, allusions, and wordplay, to create a rich and playful texture. For example, she describes the Buddhist Barbie as having "a string of prayer beads / and a lotus-petal fan." The use of the word "string" suggests both the physical object of the beads and the idea of interconnectedness that is central to Buddhism. Similarly, the lotus-petal fan evokes the image of a serene and peaceful environment, in contrast to the hectic and materialistic world of the traditional Barbie.
Another example of Duhamel's wordplay is her description of the Buddhist Barbie's "meditation cushion." The use of the word "cushion" is ironic, as it suggests comfort and luxury, which are antithetical to the asceticism and simplicity of Buddhist practice. However, the speaker also acknowledges the difficulty of meditation, describing how the Barbie "sits on her zafu / and focuses for hours." This juxtaposition of comfort and discipline highlights the challenges and rewards of Buddhist practice, as well as the importance of finding balance in one's life.
The poem also explores the idea of cultural appropriation, as the speaker acknowledges the irony of a Western doll embodying an Eastern philosophy. However, instead of dismissing the idea of a Buddhist Barbie as a mere gimmick, the speaker embraces the diversity and complexity of Buddhism, describing how the Barbie "reads the Diamond Sutra / twice a day, / once at dawn / and then before bed." This attention to detail and authenticity suggests that the speaker is not simply using Buddhism as a trendy accessory, but is genuinely interested in and respectful of the religion.
Furthermore, the poem challenges the gender stereotypes associated with Barbie dolls, as the Buddhist Barbie is described as being "androgynous" and "flat-chested." This subversion of traditional femininity suggests that one can embody the principles of Buddhism regardless of one's gender or physical appearance. The poem also critiques the narrow beauty standards that Barbie dolls promote, as the speaker describes how the Buddhist Barbie "doesn't care / if her mascara smears / or if her slip is showing." This rejection of superficiality and conformity is a powerful message for readers of all ages and genders.
In conclusion, "Buddhist Barbie" is a clever and insightful poem that challenges stereotypes and embraces diversity. Through its use of language, humor, and irony, the poem invites readers to question their assumptions about gender, religion, and identity. By imagining a doll that embodies the principles of Buddhism, the poem suggests that one can find peace and serenity in a world that often values materialism and superficiality. As the speaker says, "Buddhist Barbie says, / 'Don't just do something, sit there.'" This message of mindfulness and non-attachment is a valuable lesson for us all.
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