If the Barbie movie taught us anything, it’s that human life is tough. The film gives viewers a comedic escape from a world fraught with institutionalised anti-female attitudes, toxic masculinity and capitalist tendencies – so it's no surprise that Greta Gerwig’s latest masterpiece has created a pop culture craze that’s not showing signs of slowing down anytime soon.
But once the rose-tinted high of watching Ryan Gosling sashay across screens, Margot Robbie quashing the dissemination of patriarchy in Barbie Land, and the resolution of mother-daughter love between America Ferrera and Ariana Greenblatt begins to fade in the monotone hues of the real world, perhaps the most resounding thought floating through audience members' minds is: wouldn’t it be nice to actually have Ken’s job at ‘beach’?
Now, thanks to Coco Collection, you can do just that. Coco Bodu Hithi, a secluded resort in the Maldives, has launched a competition offering all Barbies and Kens the opportunity to stay in their own Barbie Dreamhouse / Mojo Dojo Casa House for nearly two weeks. The winner (and their partnering Barbie, Ken or Alan) will have return flights from the UK, a full-board meal plan at the hotel, and one massage each at the Coco Spa – the resort understands that beach is a tiring job.
While Ken has had 60 years to hone his craft, you’ll have just 10 days to truly become an expert at beach. This is no mean feat – each day will include a gruelling schedule of tanning, watching the Indian Ocean, socialising with other Barbie and Kens, and dressing up in new clothes and accessories provided for you. Do not underestimate how taxing it is to spend every day focusing on cultivating and polishing your Kenergy.
The competition stipulates that while 60 years of experience is preferable, applicants need not have any prior experience at beach – but they must meet certain criteria. This includes the ability to stand proudly in the sand, keep track of the morning waves, empty their head of all thoughts, and hold and lean on a surfboard.
Prospective Kendidates should strap on their rollerblades and head to cococollection.com to enter, providing they are UK residents over the age of 18. Applicants must write a 150-word paragraph explaining exactly why they are Kenough for the role. Applications are open now and will close at noon (BST) on Thursday 31 August 2023.