Algeria bans ‘Barbie’ on grounds of national value incompatibility

The North African nation, Algeria, has put a ban on the Hollywood blockbuster movie “Barbie” in the country following its release 3 weeks ago.

The higher-ups in the Algerian culture ministry have asked cinemas in the country to cease showing of the American movie claiming it promoted acts, such as homosexuality, that were contrary to the values and beliefs of the nation.

The film, starring Hollywood A-listers Margot Robbie and Ryan Reynolds, is a coming-of-age story based on the children’s toy, where Barbie journeys to the real world and explores her identity.

There has been criticism in the Arab world about the movie’s social values, with Kuwait banning Barbie last week to protect “public ethics”.

According to BBC, the film has been sold out every day since its release. This has consequently sparked moral and ethical red flags for the Algerian leaders as they express concerns about the influence the movie could inspire.

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