Barbie: The Manliness of Allan - Therapist Reacts!

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Join psychotherapist Georgia Dow as she shines a spotlight on Allan, the quiet hero in the Barbie universe, in her latest video. In this insightful analysis, Georgia explores Allan's introverted nature, secure attachment style, and the remarkable role he plays behind the scenes. Discover how introversion can be a source of strength and how secure attachment fuels his actions as the secret hero of the film. Through expert analysis, gain a deeper understanding of Allan's character and the valuable lessons his story imparts. Don't miss this thought-provoking exploration that celebrates introversion, secure attachment, and hidden strengths in the world of Barbie.
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[@ceilinh6004]

Allan is just doing his own thing, living his quiet best life. As a fellow introvert, I respect it.

[@wesleybarrett9502]

He is an allegory for more than introversion but yes, it is important to see that too. He is the real hero of the movie, just as they supportive friend is more heroic than the egocentric leader.

[@bibliophilelady6106]

Allan loves his buddy Ken. Allan is also not afraid to call him out if he is doing something dangerous, or punch him in the face if he is in the wrong. Allan is a true friend and ally. Be an Allan.

[@DanGamingFan2406]

Allen is such an underrated character. He's just doing his own thing in every scene, and I love him for it. He never tries to stand out, and that makes him the most unique person in this universe. He really is a secret hero.

[@madnessarcade7447]

Not really everyone talks about him online he’s not as underrated as u think

[@ryanharris5184]

I love Allan, and I can totally relate to him as an introvert and someone who’s willing to stick up for their friends. I feel like the reason not many people notice how much he's done for the Barbies is because society prefers extroverts. (I’m not saying it’s right for society to do that, I’m just saying that’s the way it is unfortunately.)

[@benehrmantraut]

"Allan earned the power of self-respect!" Of course he can fight, in another universe he's Scott Pilgrim 🤣

[@wesleybarrett9502]

Noice! I like the crossover reference.

[@sean_mccadden]

Honestly my favorite scene in the movie 😂

[@MercuryCater]

Best fighter in Ontario

[@kylecooper4620]

A lot of us can identify with Allen, I'm sure. I was Allen all through school, and it was definitely hard. Now the habits of not relying on anyone / not asking for anything from others is solidified. Quite isolating.

[@zanderC5953]

I can relate with this. I would say, as a fellow introvert, that we have the unique perspective and opportunity to participate in the world and detach ourselves from it when we need to. If an extrovert attempts to live like us, it gives them a lot of mental hardships. We can form many healthy relationships without high degrees of unhealthy codependency. That is a nice privilege with those solidified traits.

[@Atlas3060]

Georgia Dow: *Insightful breakdowns of the Allan character, showing that even introverts can have agency when they have their own chances to express it* Also Georgia Dow: "Allan break them! I want to see more fights! These fists are rated E for everyone! Blood for the Blood God!" lol

[@YaotzinMI]

💀 for the 💀 throne 😅

[@NoFirstNoLastName]

11:05 love that you are not having the disrespect for Allan

[@ExTaiga]

Also, if you notice, after Allan headbutts the one construction Ken the construction Ken behind him puts his hard hat back on when Allan turns around to face him.

[@PotatoWithALaptop]

That won’t save them

[@DarkLordGanondorf190]

I was once put on a group of extroverted girls to do a treasure hunt with. It was an ice-breaker thing at university. It was like I wasnt there at all. I discovered hints and altered the others to them and it was like they couldn't even hear me. It was baffling, unreal almost.

[@AssassinAlchemist]

All the real ones know. Allan is the man. 💪🏽👀

[@ianyoder2537]

My theory is that Allen is a human who became trapped in Barbie land and became nativeized. Sort of like how at the end Barbie became human. There's no other Allen's, and he was all to eager to escape with the human woman and her daughter. Finally he actually fought with the Ken's building the wall, not that choreographed dance thing on the beach.

[@13Bbeards]

I think this too. That somehow he entered the world and was happy there. I'd also be willing to except that he is actually Scott Pilgrim who ended up there while traveling with Ramona and decided to just hang out for a while.

[@damianstarks3338]

Like were your head is at in these theories

[@tabinekoman]

But Allan is also a doll from mattel

[@13Bbeards]

Ok, tinfoil hat time. We see that when Ken makes his casa house, that a real world toy of it is selling really well. So, there has to be some spill/influence from Barbie world to the real world. So, what if Allen became a part of the Barbie world, which then made him a toy in the real world?

[@ianyoder2537]

@@13Bbeards Isn't there also a Jenny? The pregnant lady right? So this isn't an isolated incident. Being pregnant for eternity, what is it with PG shows casually inventing fates worse than death?

[@13Bbeards]

There's a lot to be said for living a peaceful, accepting life like that. In many ways Allen is very Zen. He goes with the flow, accepts where he is, and finds simple joy in it. When needed, he speaks up, but doesn't feel a need or desire to be at the center of things while doing so.

[@StandAsYouAre]

Alan (besides weird Barbie) is the person in the movie who not only knows who he is at the start of the movie, but he also knows about the reality they are living in. The minute he talks to himself and responds after the narrator says there is only one Alan shows he knows what is going on, and he accepts his lot in life. Even the bit where he shouts at Ken to stop running towards the water shows Alan knows the world is fake.

[@karenlhoule]

I wasn't wrong about Allan! I called him the unsung hero of the movie the first time I saw it! Thank you for this analysis!

[@flores99]

I fell in love with Allan so much that I bought the original doll and the new doll on eBay. I love that he always supported the barbies.

[@johnsouto5221]

Do one on Evil Asian Ken, because he was causing most of regular Ken's problems. From sticking himself between Superficial Barbie and Ken, to causing the rift between the rest of the Ken's and causing the uprising that allows the Barbie's to take control of Barbie Land again.

[@jamesmedina5177]

Allan has dad vibes, always knows what to do and the one you want to call when you need help. Most men do these type of things everyday and never ask to be noticed. The fact that we can do what we do so you never even know the danger, or hardship is what fathers strive for. So he wants to cry at the end because he cant protect Ken from his pain like a father wishes he could.

[@HunterSentinel]

17:00 it would be a lot easier to speak up for myself and what I want if my mom hasn’t spent my entire life repeating the phrase “you’ve always had to have it your way, it’s always got to be about you.” ….now my dad does it all the time at work too… ….I feel a crippling fear of being judged and ridiculed for trying to seek happiness and enjoy life…. I hate cruel people so much.

[@solracer66]

IRL my name is Allan and I am only a couple of years older than the doll. In addition my last name is very, very appropriate to the character. Like Allan I am generally an introvert like him but also a confident one that doesn't worry about it and can be extroverted for brief periods of time as long as they don't go on too long. Lastly I am well trained in the martial arts but don't go around advertising it but it's there if for some reason I need it. Lastly I grew up with no sisters so while I was aware of Barbie and Ken I never knew Allan ever existed until a couple of years ago. This finally explains why I was teased endlessly about my name in grade school and junior high which made no sense to me at the time but now it's all clear. This movie made me feel like I was finally being noticed and respected and I was so pleasantly surprised that Allan is the real hero of the film. I am hoping that if there is a sequel that we'll see more of him and perhaps better explore his relationship with Midge and the "happy family" that they eventually end up having.

[@ryanharris5184]

Allan literally is a true hero. I was already a fan seeing that he didn't join in the patriarchy and helping out the Barbies. But seeing this video, I was like "He is literally me!" I really enjoy that while he's an introvert when he sees someone in trouble he sacrifices his own needs for others, and he dosen't make a big deal when people don't give him credit unless it happens multiple times. But when he does step up for himself he dosen't yell or get mad, he's still speaks in a respectful manner to others. I think the real reason not many people notice the good Allan has done in the movie is because society in general prefers extroverts.

[@deborahhoven8360]

Loved the Allan character. Gerwig did a great job showing his unique personality, perspective, and social situation within Barbieland. Most shots of Allan frame him alone. Even the shots that included others rarely showed them interacting with Allan. Yes, Allan is an introvert, but he is also somewhat isolated, lonely, and underappreciated. But it doesn't make him bitter. He is always wonderfully Allan.

[@db6881]

Apparently he's the father of Midges' baby. The Kens are eternal pre-teens.

[@mewira]

I feel like Allan is the toy that your friend brought to the game (maybe not even a Barbie collection doll) and goes along with your drama story about Barbie and Ken :))

[@tiffanypersaud3518]

Allan is the man.

[@X3n0nLP]

Seeing Allen see all this masculinity and how the kens were defining masculinity and saying "I don't want any part in this." Is something I really identified with, honestly. Also, I like that this movie portrayed toxic masculinity very well while still having a man that is 100% willing to help and on the womens side.

[@TreeHairedGingerAle]

Allan > Ken always. He *knows* who he is. His sense of Self isn't dependent on toxic pre-assigned societal roles and validation from a messed up power structure that only serves to make everyone miserable.

[@Home-o2v4h]

Like the barbieland

[@alabaster_bullet]

I really appreciate that most of the toxicity in the Barbie movie came from people (Gosling's Ken and America's character) who wanted to be the upper hand so bad they walked over other people with little regard for creating more downtrodden people who seek revenge at the 1st opportunity. Alan is the only person in this film who hurt out of necessity and not for attention ❤

[@Whoo711]

Everybody was KUNG FU FIGHTING Those cats were FAST AS LIGHTNING

[@WildKat25]

I like that they chose Allan to be the badass introvert that is smart, clever, and says what he wants. He is the ONLY male doll in the Barbie universe to ACTUALLY impregnate a female doll (Midge) and become a Dad. He has done what no Ken has ever done. Allan deserved to be an awesome character in the Barbie Movie.

[@babs3241]

Which also kind of puts Allan in an adult role while the rest of the dolls are in an extended pre-adolescence.

[@GavinoTylerFlick]

He’s the dad??? Then why was he trying to leave Barbieland/Kendom!?!?!

[@WildKat25]

@TheRealTylerFlick Because Allan understands how the real world works, and that all the "yes" and lack of hearing his opinions is ultimately hurting his inner self.

[@GavinoTylerFlick]

@@WildKat25 why wouldn’t he take his pregnant wife Midge with him???

[@solracer66]

​@@GavinoTylerFlick What's interesting is that pregnant Midge was actually her second pregnancy (with Nikki) their son Ryan was already almost 3 years old so you are correct as they should have been married by that point as not only was she pregnant but she also had a young son. Unless there really are more than one Allan as the Midge's husband's name is spelled "Alan" and might be someone else totally.

[@sandal_thong8631]

Before I watched the movie, I thought it would be a hoot if it ended like _Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)_ where the human character gets recruited by G.I. Joe! But then Ken was so awful, I didn't think it would have worked. But after watching the scene of Allan kicking butt and seeing this video too, I thought they could have recruited Allan. Too bad one is owned by Mattel and the others are owned by Hasbro. Still, my backup plan after seeing the movie was they could have met He-Man and She-Ra which were by Mattel.

[@deehuntley1712]

Allen is the father of Midge's baby!

[@myragroenewegen5426]

Importantly, while, for the Kens violence is almost all show, the way Allan fights is effective, but he's obviously singualarly unconcerned with the way he looks or the power of threatening aesthetics. I really enjoy how he sort of skips around like a little boy, or a giddy dancer in the middle of delivering heavy punches and stuff. He owns his short, nonthreatening appearance. Acting in violent sequences is usually not that character-driven, and deserves recognition. violence in the Barbie movie is comic and interesting, rather than traumatizing to watch. I like that. It makes violence seem like a foolish and manageable problem, which is a useful way to approach it.

[@lucianfrostbane]

Reminds me of the rule 1 from discworld: never challenge a smiling unarmed man to a fight

[@yesthatmousyiris4887]

Allan seems to be the most self aware and has the most common sense. A lot of Barbies and Kens are smart but they don't have that...uh thing that Allan has. Not sure the right word to say.

[@PotatoWithALaptop]

Self respect, self aware, and doesn’t really care who is in power he just wants to live his best life.

[@steampunkwilly115]

I thought that the fence gag was a nod to how the toys dont have a lot of range of motion 😂

[@hulmhochberg8129]

Allen was the most sane person calling the bs of both sides, and got shit on from everyone. And by the end he still got shit on from everyone and unlike the with the kens it wasn't even acknowledged.

[@jadedoni6447]

I loved this, Allan is such a good character.

[@ultravioletparakeet1134]

When it comes to throwing down, I've never been worried about the windbags of the world. They have a tendency to bid away the use of their legs as a direct fighting instrument and any tricks they could have had up their sleeves. Knowing this makes it all the easier to “persuade” such a person to stop poking the hornet's nest. On the other hand, the quieter ones tend to be a lot less predictable. Consequently, I am much more careful of what I say and do around them.

[@Bansheexero]

I tend to use the predator/prey paradigm. In nature, the animals that try to intimidate others are not predators. They do so to scare predators off. Actual predators don't want to scare their prey away, they just want to eat.

[@jackgurchove5212]

Allen should be the Supreme cort justice

[@C0MM1T_4RS0N]

*(Allan being respected fills you with determanation.)

[@fireatwilliam]

I am Allan because im trans, im a guy but not seen as that even if i am, i am not a barbie even if i understand, im a boy but other boys dont see it, im not a girl but i GET IT so well, it hurts so much that women dont usually recocgnise me and well, boys dont either. Hi all other allans, we exist all over the world, maybe not in your life right now but we are here and we see you

[@Fenris30]

Allen's personality is that of the Best Friend. But he's also a Married Man and Father. His Wife is Midge.

[@chuckb8514]

First love the Allen cosplay. The shirt is great. Second Allen is a great character, I think he could be a great leader for all the Barbies and Kens. Also Allen kicking ass was great to see. Amazing analysis. Side not I can’t wait to see Michael Ceramic to voice Scott Pilgrim.

[@lkf8799]

I think it's a pool floaty 🧐😂 but I'm not sure 😁

[@melanies2000]

I love all your videos but this appreciation of Allan was so needed!!

[@classicslover]

So Georgia, did we get that top at The Bay? Because it kinda sorta resembles a Hudson's Bay Blanket. Much like Allen's ensemble. BUT, I am actually guessing that you made it. (Remembers red-haired Spider Baby and a lot more = ) Ken says he loves Barbie, but not to the extent that he would endanger himself. Allen is all battle ready for new acquaintances. So yeah, Allen is easily the best one. Also love when he did the head butt, the construction worker behind him saw this and pulled his hard hat on tighter = ) THIS shows that a person can STILL be themselves but ALSO have a Bada** mode. In MANY levels. To deal with bozos OR evil. Most people's mindsets are dismissive/terrified /unable to deal with evil. And too often when they switch up, they change for the worse. Different awareness/thought process/experience to know which level is the appropriate response. AND be willing to use it.

[@karenorgan6203]

I’ve only seen the introduction to this movie, can Alan be ASD representation?

[@night1952]

Disagree, he's the only one to use actual violence instead of the Ken's play fighting, something usually considered toxic masculinity, except when it's convenient for the Barbies, which completely ignore him despite his help.

[@night1952]

@Ks-101 a wall that was not doing its job, they could just drive by. And then they just turn around anyways, making the fight pointless.

[@magmatard8737]

Everyone in the theater heard me during the opening credits I said a lot louder than intended "Michael Cera's in this?"

[@ElTioPental]

I´ve been seeing a lot of "ken is literally me" memes and not enough "Allan is literally me" ones

[@anne-louisegoldie]

I thought the 'Shut up Allan' remark was terrible too 😢 (Along with, 'Just get in the box you Jezebel' from the CEO 😮) Allan is different from both the Kens and the Barbies, he cares about everyone and yet doesn't get much support in return, do the Kens even notice him most days? Even though he dances happily in the background, he does want to be seen, he speaks up to remind the others that he's here too. He keeps going, he's stoic, and truly brave when he needs to be. Interesting that all Ken's clothes fit him, but he doesn't wear Ken's clothes, he does wear the horse badge though, and then wears the pink overalls to help the Barbies with their covert operation. Maybe that's why he gets confused about the fence? He prefers the structure of Barbieland to the brashness of Kenland, and I feel with the new, fairer constitution he'll finally get to be recognized for the valuable person he is. Is Gloria's husband also an Allan type? 😊xx

[@beingafk3494]

I watched the Barbie movie several times in cinema and Allan was my favorite since the first time. So thank you for making this video and explaining to people why he is so great.

[@jeffhale1189]

Thanks for sharing. I appreciate Allan. Lots of great insights. Blessings on your day!

[@jiko26]

my theory: Alan is actually a little girls view of her father.

[@PotatoWithALaptop]

That makes sense, cool theory.

[@tiffanypersaud3518]

That’s adorable❤.

[@jdco8831]

Loving all these Barbie movie character breakdowns! i wonder if Georgia could react to the One Piece Live Action, and if there are any kind of character breakdowns she could do there.

[@zhaf]

oh yeah. As a super introvert (I scored 91% Introvert and 92% assertive in the 16 personalities test). I can relate so much to Allan. But I've never been in a fist fight for real though.

[@allanj6967]

As an Allan I approve this message. Really, a great analysis of the character and his place in the movie.

[@AdrianFlipflop]

Alan is the greatest

[@madnessarcade7447]

Georgia Dow please do being Erica it’s a show where the plot is therapy

[@lindseycassella3015]

Ooh yes I never see anyone analyze this show. Dr Tom and Erica have such an interesting dynamic.

[@madnessarcade7447]

@@lindseycassella3015facts

[@emery7331]

Allan is autistic because I, an autistic person, said so

[@actionfigureshi]

My name is Alan, and I'm pro Alan

[@TotalMantis]

Hey, I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your content. I think it's really interesting to see you go in depth with the characters and movies and shows, after watching Arcane I started to watch a lot of content related to it and that's how I ended up coming across your channel. I've continued to watch you from there, seeing your analyzation of the Boys characters, the Last of Us, and the others, now including Barbie. I had one recommendation and if you can't get to it that's completely fine. But I amways wanted to see what you would have to say about the Umbrella Academy, a super-powered family raised by a netlectful, unnurturing father. They grow up to be a dysfunctional, seperate family but come together after the death of their father to try and save the world. Each character is really rich with story and deal with their own traumas. I feel like there would be a lot to talk about there. Anyways, that was all. Sorry for the long comment. Take care, if you can't that's okay, great videos.

[@angelrgrimaldo1374]

Allen isn’t a Ken. He’s Allen

[@damianstarks3338]

Cool analysis on Allen he is most definitely underrated

[@tetyanaLN]

I absolutely loved Allan.

[@riverstyx7251]

As a trans person, Allan felt like an allegory for trans people in society. Women are Barbies, Men are Ken, and Allan is just Allan. He doesn’t align with either options in the dichotomy because he’s doing his own thing

[@Grell1122]

Same

[@jhart6764]

I feel like Alan aligns with LGBT+ men and masc presenting individuals in general.

[@obadijahparks]

Allen seems like an actual man. He just just needs some actual support.

[@jsae4331]

Allan absolutely carries a big stick in those tight shorts lol

[@joshbecka6110]

If you want to see Allen fight more dudes might I suggest Scott Pilgrim vs the World?

[@animewanderer41]

I think your analysis also works the same way when we think about Allen not only on the introvert to extrovert spectrum but also on the gender spectrum. Where Allen is trapped in a man to woman social binary while he doesn’t quite match. Yay to viewing through multiple lenses!

[@braylin5003]

Ohhh... No, we are getting into those headcanons now

[@sean_mccadden]

Justice for Allan ✊️

[@leeFbeatz]

🙏

[@lamarcus11]

allan was the best character in the movie and he knew what he wanted and what he does not

[@serhiirumiantsev7736]

Alan is the only normal man character in this movie, the only one. I think he can be a representation of women in our world. Like he is doing the job, but he is not appreciated enough. To understand this movie for a mass audience is pretty difficult as i see, because the roles of women and men are vice versa. The Kens (with Alan) are women in our world, and The Barbies are men in our world.

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

Based on this, I'd actually like to see you analyze Vash the Stampede from Trigun.

[@Destyn2b]

Growing up I always felt different, like I didn't fit in with everyone else. I was in my 40's when I learned to appreciate my uniqueness. How boring would the world be if everyone looked, talked and acted the same.

[@madnessarcade7447]

Georgia Dow Please do the miraculous ladybug movie there’s a lot there on grief and giving into negativity and being consumed by it There is so much there to explore The show would be cool too

[@nataliadmitrieva7481]

Building the wall.. interesting topic, or is it an analogy ? R we getting a little bit political in the "Barbie Land" ?

[@hypnokitten6450]

Dawww I adore Allan, Ken's "buddy"

[@MrSiriusAB]

Alan is K'Enough

[@Stark-Raving]

Alan is more than kenough, he's Alan

[@brunopenteado4027]

Amazing Georgia 😀 as a Allan myself .. thank u .. hahaha 🙏

[@grimm516]

So extroverts are vampires hahha jk it's just the way you see it hahah😂

[@YaotzinMI]

Not a trait tied to extroverts exclusively but there are absolutely people who will take social energy to the detriment of the ones being taken from. School bullies can be an example I think.

[@TheGav67]

I think the next Barbie movie (if there is one), should be called the Allan Movie. 🎥🍿

[@erickgranados6522]

I hope one day you analyze the Monogatari series

[@username_creates6991]

Allen I think was suppose to be Kens friend and was created for it but Ken actually is created for Barbie so he only exists to chase her and rivel with other Kens... so he doesn't notice Allen. So Allen is forced to entertain himself and run around Kens and Barbies. I think that that made people think he was a gay guy who obviously cannot have anything with Ken because Ken is obviously obessed with Barbie. But then again all of the Barbies are asexual and don't comprehend romance because they're suppose to represent the children playing with them. Thats why their personalities are childlike and their view of the world also is self absorbed and childlike.

[@sadakojh]

Can you review Daria?

[@sonicbackrooms897]

Shout to all the trans men who see themselves in Allan 🙏🏽🏳️‍⚧️❤️‍🔥

[@mngbennett]

I think he couldn't get over the fence because of the limitations of movement imposed by the pink coveralls.

[@ebonyblack4563]

Allen knows who he is despite what's going on around him, and I respect that.

[@AustynSN]

Though I'm neither a Barbie nor a sports fan, the comment about teams and leaders reminded me of an old Mad magazine issue that said something about the Chicago Bulls entire strategy being to "get the ball to Michael." While that seemed at the time like Mad just saying "Michael Jordan is the only player on the team", Dr Dow's comments made me realize just how much Michael Jordan needed other people to get the ball to him. No point to this comment, really. Like I said, I'm neither a Barbie nor a Basketball fan. Just had this thought pop in my head while watching the video.

[@Pohgg-c9o]

If your going to be weird, do it with confidence!

[@maleprincess5559]

I am a shy extrovert and my sister is an outgoing introvert

[@sarahvruwink3027]

Idk everyone I’ve talked to is obsessed with Allen

[@courtreanbbq5478]

allan is healthy masculinity and the kens are toxic masculinity!

[@kinoleogeo7998]

Allen, Introvert King, will go Scott Pilgrim on your ass to protect friends.

[@CY3ERUS]

Scott Pilgrim vs. Barbieland

[@danevanaarde7301]

I'm an introvert who has a gal pal and a guy friend.

[@remixsolo]

He was Scott Pilgrim. That dude could scrap.

[@HorizonSilver]

Oh gods I might be Allan.

[@trao1938]

Allan is introverted because he's been condemned to live amongst handsome 'Kens" his entire existence.He is relegated to the 'friend zone' by all the Barbie's because he doesn't look like a Ken. So Allan helps Barbies in order to avoid being completely invisible to them. Allan is miserable and depressed.

[@keyboardcowgirl69]

so annoying when she tells him to shut up and then hit him in the face with her hair, allan just beat up like 20 guys for how they looked at him, he doesnt even know the self insert character

[@NYKIKE]

Lets go barbie!

[@betinababbles249]

I wonder how Michael Cera thinks of this haha Allen is great! 😂