Crypto, Barbie and her ever-supportive partner Ken may have many things in common.
Margot Robbie, the renowned Australian actress, took on the iconic role of Barbie in her latest flick. However, it wasn’t her portrayal of the beloved doll that caused a stir: it was her unexpected comments about Bitcoin that caught the attention of the crypto community.
In a recent interview with Fandango, Robbie made a remark that simply talking about Bitcoin gives off “Ken vibes,” a reference to Barbie’s long-time companion, Ken, portrayed by Ryan Gosling.
Since then, Twitter has been abuzz with reactions from the crypto community, including notable figures like MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor and social media influencer Layah Heilpern.
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— Bitcoin (@Bitcoin) July 28, 2023
A Mixed Bag Of Responses
Saylor, always one to advocate for Bitcoin fervently, wholeheartedly embraced the comparison, declaring Bitcoin to be synonymous with “Big Ken Energy.”
On the other hand, Heilpern interpreted Robbie’s comment as an insult to male Bitcoin enthusiasts, seeing it as implying that they were weak and inadequate.
Robbie clarified her perspective on the matter, expressing that the concept of “Ken vibes” is subjective and difficult to define. To her, it’s more of an intuitive feeling rather than a concrete characterization.
Source: Jaap Buitendijk/Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Her husband, Tom Ackerley, and David Heymen, a television producer, would often discuss Bitcoin on set, prompting Robbie and her friend Gretta to playfully compare them to Kens.
Meanwhile, a United States psychologist, Dr. Mark Travers, shared insights into what “Ken energy” might represent. He described it as a sign of selflessness and adaptability in various situations.
According to Travers, the character of Ken challenges traditional gender stereotypes, as he primarily plays a supportive role to Barbie, putting her needs before his own. In the past, such roles were commonly assigned to female characters, but Ken turns this stereotype on its head in a somewhat parody-like manner.
Bitcoin trading at $29,280 on the weekend chart: TradingView.com
Pop Culture And Crypto: An Unusual Intersection
Despite the varied interpretations and reactions from the crypto community, Robbie’s comments brought attention to the intersection of popular culture and cryptocurrency.
Some industry insiders viewed this as a positive development for Bitcoin’s image, suggesting that it may help attract a broader audience and dispel misconceptions about the cryptocurrency space.
Steven Lubka, a managing director at Swan Bitcoin, echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about the potential impact of Robbie’s remarks. He saw it as an opportunity to engage new audiences and bring positive exposure to the Bitcoin community.
Lubka enthusiastically shared his outlook with his Twitter followers on July 29, proclaiming, “we are so back.”
As with any discussion surrounding popular culture and its interactions with serious subjects like cryptocurrency, opinions will remain diverse.
Still, Margot Robbie’s playful comment about “Ken vibes” and Bitcoin has sparked intriguing conversations, reflecting the growing influence of the crypto space in mainstream dialogue.
Whether this will lead to any substantial shifts in public perception remains to be seen, but it’s evident that Bitcoin continues to find its way into unexpected corners of popular culture.
Featured image from Getty Images