Does Barbie Push a “Woke” Agenda? Exploring Current Cinematic Themes and the Stock Market

 

As we reflect on the Barbie Universe with Mattel’s recently released movie, it’s an era where the lines between children’s movies and adult humor blur, giving rise to discussions on whether contemporary cinema is pushing boundaries too far or simply evolving with the times. Recent research from the Motion Picture Association suggests that modern films are taking more liberties with content that once might have been deemed ‘mature’ for general audiences. In this backdrop, the question arises: are movies staying true to their target demographic?

In the latest episode of Untamed Ethos, hosted by Dr. Joshua Wilson, founder of United Ethos Wealth Partners, we dive deep into these turbulent waters of cinematic shifts, especially with the Barbie Universe. The episode then takes a turn to discuss the current stock market standings and trends and what they may mean.  Dr. Russell Rhoads, Clinical Associate Professor at Indiana University School of Business, joins Dr. Wilson for the conversation.

Main points of discussion include:

  • Whether the new Barbie film pushes a “woke” agenda by weaving in feminism and patriarchy while teaching girls how to use their sexuality to manipulate men
  • Earnings week and how NASDAQ and tech are no longer leading the way in the stock market
  • What the VIX rising at the same time as the S&P500 (SPX) means

Dr. Rhoads brings with him an impressive background in business and media analysis. His keen observations and sharp insights into the current cinematic trends, juxtaposed against the backdrop of societal shifts, makes this discussion deeply riveting.

Recent Episodes

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies. In this episode of School Safety Today, host Dr. Amy Grosso interviews guest expert Will Durgin to discuss the newly released Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) Report from the National Threat Assessment Center and Homeland Security. They explore how this report differs from previous NTAC…

Schools today are navigating a whirlwind of change, from new expectations in the job market to the growing influence of AI and the constant push to rethink accountability. That’s why conversations about educator advocacy matter so much right now. Texas, for example, ranks among the lowest ten states in per-pupil funding—even while boasting the seventh-strongest…

Automation and AI aren’t arriving someday—they’re already reshaping factory floors, logistics hubs, and technical workplaces right now. That shift is putting schools, especially Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, on the spot: the jobs students are training for are evolving faster than most curricula. In its Future of Jobs Report 2025, the World Economic…