Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Duhamel's poem "Buddhist Barbie" is a brief but sharply humorous piece that juxtaposes profound ancient philosophical teachings with modern pop culture. Through the unexpected comparison of Gautama Buddha and Barbie, Duhamel explores themes of identity, perception, and the intersection of spiritual emptiness with the emptiness often attributed to consumer culture.

The poem opens by setting the historical and philosophical context: "In the 5th century B.C. / an Indian philosopher / Gautama teaches 'All is emptiness' / and 'There is no self.'" These lines succinctly summarize key concepts of Buddhist philosophy, namely the ideas of emptiness (śūnyatā) and the nonexistence of a permanent, unchanging self (anatta). These teachings challenge the intrinsic value of the ego and the material world, suggesting a pathway to enlightenment that involves transcending worldly attachments and desires.

The shift to the 20th century introduces Barbie, a symbol of Western consumer culture and arguably one of the most iconic representations of idealized female beauty and materialism. Barbie's response to Buddha's teachings, "but wonders how a man / with such a belly could pose, / smiling, and without a shirt," injects humor and irony into the poem. This line is telling of Barbie's worldview, one that prioritizes appearance and perhaps struggles to reconcile the value of physical beauty with the spiritual depth of Buddha's teachings.

Barbie's superficial assessment of Buddha's physical appearance—noting his belly and his lack of a shirt—serves as a critique of modern society's emphasis on physical appearance and external attributes. It reflects a common contemporary misunderstanding or superficial engagement with deep philosophical or spiritual teachings, reducing them to their most basic and literal interpretations.

Moreover, Duhamel's choice to use Barbie as the voice of modernity cleverly underscores the contrast between the depth of philosophical thought and the shallowness often associated with modern consumer culture. By imagining a dialogue between these two figures separated by millennia and vastly different worldviews, Duhamel highlights the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in today's image-obsessed society.

In "Buddhist Barbie," Duhamel not only critiques the superficial aspects of contemporary culture but also invites the reader to reflect on the deeper meanings of self and emptiness in a playful and accessible way. The poem is a succinct commentary on how ancient philosophies can be both timeless and yet misinterpreted or overlooked in a world that often values appearance over substance.

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