Space bitches, witches, and kick-ass princesses: Star Wars and popular feminism

de Bruin-Molé, Megen 2017. Space bitches, witches, and kick-ass princesses: Star Wars and popular feminism. Hassler-Forest, Dan and Guynes, Sean, eds. Star Wars and the History of Transmedia Storytelling, Transmedia: Participatory Culture and Media Convergence, Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press,

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Abstract

In this article I illustrate some of the diverse “interpretations and aims” of feminist discourse that are created by the complex interplay between fans and the multi-authored, media-industrial franchise that is Star Wars. First I look at discourses of feminism and the representation of women in Star Wars, paying special attention to the stories outside of the films. Then I explore the way the storyworld’s non-narrative paratexts—toys, clothes, and merchandising—impact its engagement with feminist discourse. Finally, I look at some of the ways in which fans and storytellers have politicized Star Wars, and what this may tell us about the future of the franchise. These examples will also provide a brief but informative glimpse at the history of Star Wars’s engagement with feminist discourse, and the wealth of material still to be explored. One thing is certain: Star Wars is not just for boys, nor has it ever been. But the question of whether Star Wars is feminist has been controversial throughout its forty-year history.

Item Type:	Book Section
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	English, Communication and Philosophy Journalism, Media and Culture
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN0080 Criticism P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN0441 Literary History P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN1993 Motion Pictures
Publisher:	Amsterdam University Press
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	14 November 2017
Last Modified:	19 Oct 2021 01:20
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/100442

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