Even Barbie Has a Man’s Last Name…Why This Matters to Gender Identity, Gender Equality, and a Whole Can of Worms

Yes…yes, I said it. Even Barbie has a man’s last name. Why do I point this out? Why is it important? Have a listen! In this episode, we dive fully into an exploratory conversation about gender identity, gender equality, and how deep-seated beliefs and systems have affected - and continue to affect - the pursuit and fight for freedom in self identity and equality for everyone. Considering my own experiences with name change, we use this topic as an example of very “acceptable,” and yet quietly unaddressed, archaic systems (in this case patrilineal surnames) that we cannot deny may have had, and still have, lasting effects on our psyches, particularly as women, nonbinary, and transgendered individuals (not to mention many other inequalities that still exist). The bigger point of the episode is addressing the need to have these kinds of conversations. Everyone has a right to choose in the matter of traditions (cultural, religious, and otherwise); but when it comes to automatic systems, the fact that some are still so outrightly gendered and lopsided, it makes it imperative that we discuss the effect that these systems, traditions, and certain semantics have had, and continue to have, on our own self-perception, the minds of our children, and the barriers these may pose to our own impression of what is acceptable and possible. Buckle up for a very heartfelt and passionate immersion into this more-than-worthy and timely topic. Catch even more on this topic with Amy’s videos on TikTok @amyriseinfinity Find all kinds of inspiration on Instagram @amyriseinfinity And, of course, as always, find great resources for your own growth and path at AmyInfinity.com.