Leia as a Sci-Fi Feminist
Leia Skywalker is one of the most influential female characters in the Sci-Fi scene of the 20th century. In a way, Leia's character arc throughout the saga is a great example of how Feminism can be conveyed in film.
Leia's highly-complex character structure/arc is something that separates her from other, more predictable characters in the saga. Not to mention, Leia's character brought to light the deep-rooted gender inequity that had remained buried by the media for the good portion of the 20th century. Despite being in captivity for a good portion of her on-screen time, Leia prevails in the face of patriarchical hierarchical systems that constantly keep her held by the throat. From being captured by the Galactic Empire, to acting as a slave to Jabba the Hut, Leia has done her time serving male-dominated institutions that have little regard for women.
Just like feminist activists of our time and role models of the past, Leia's success in the face of these institutions is something that encourages female viewers to stand strong in the face of gender oppression and incongruity. Moreover, this clever character design carefully constructed by George Lucas calls into question an issue that had never been addressed. Leia's role as a character in this canon holds more weight that just that of a female in space, but that of a female in our very own world.
Agree? Disagree? Want to add anything? Let me know in the comments!
Leia's highly-complex character structure/arc is something that separates her from other, more predictable characters in the saga. Not to mention, Leia's character brought to light the deep-rooted gender inequity that had remained buried by the media for the good portion of the 20th century. Despite being in captivity for a good portion of her on-screen time, Leia prevails in the face of patriarchical hierarchical systems that constantly keep her held by the throat. From being captured by the Galactic Empire, to acting as a slave to Jabba the Hut, Leia has done her time serving male-dominated institutions that have little regard for women.
Just like feminist activists of our time and role models of the past, Leia's success in the face of these institutions is something that encourages female viewers to stand strong in the face of gender oppression and incongruity. Moreover, this clever character design carefully constructed by George Lucas calls into question an issue that had never been addressed. Leia's role as a character in this canon holds more weight that just that of a female in space, but that of a female in our very own world.
Agree? Disagree? Want to add anything? Let me know in the comments!
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