Savior Barbie is a satirical Instagram account that has taken the internet by storm by making fun of Western missionaries and Peace Corps members volunteering in Africa.
Created by two white, 20-something women who have chosen to remain anonymous, the parody account has amassed over 100,000 followers in just three months.
Drawing from their own missionary work in Africa, the women behind Savior Barbie are self-proclaimed former "white saviors" themselves, but does that make it okay to make fun of missionary work?
I have to admit, I was worried that the account was going to unfairly make of impoverished Africans or trivialize the good deeds of well-meaning missionaries, but fortunately Savior Barbie does a great job of only making fun of the self-absorbed people who over-romanticize their volunteer work (read: basic ratchets).
Not everybody agrees.
One angry IG user commented, "You know what really helps people in Africa? Sitting in the comfort of your first world home and making fun of people who volunteer in Africa."
While he has point, at least the account has started a conversation on the topic. A very funny one at that.
A humblebrag that ties in a quote from the Bible? That's high quality satire in my book.
I mean, loosen up, right? This is HILARIOUS. #HahahakunaMatata
As the saying goes, "When life hands you lemons, appropriate the lemon's culture."
Fun fact: Robert Frost is turning in his grave (because he's ROFL).
"I learned a very important life lesson today. There are basic people all over the world."
Question: What would Savior Barbie do?
Answer: Post it on Instagram with a flattering filter.
The hippo is the most dangerous land mammal in Africa, but you do you, girl.
What's really crazy is that there are people out there that legit post self-congratulatory flummery like this ALL THE TIME. Get mad at them, not this dead on parody. This is comedy gold!