Little Girls and The Last Jedi
When I was five, my aunt took me to a movie theater for the first time to see Bambi. I cried from the moment (SPOILERS) Bambi’s mother died until the end of the movie.
Fast forward two years to 1977, my dad is taking my brother to see a real movie (not animated) called Star Wars. I was told it’s a boys movie and too scary for me, they didn’t want a repeat of the Bambi drama. I pleaded, “but there’s a Princess”, and they reluctantly let me tag along.
I loved it. I crushed on Han and wanted to be Princess Leia. As the trilogy unfolded though, I really wanted Leia’s role to be stronger. She was strong, but always needed rescuing. When the sibling curve ball was added to the story, I thought for sure she’d be a Jedi like her twin. Nope. Her story ended in supposed marital bliss. That’s the story young girls got in the 70’s. Be strong, and smart, but you’ve really only got this one role.
Fast forward to the new trilogy, and specifically The Last Jedi. We have a kick-ass Female Jedi, and Leia finally uses the force (not the way I would have wanted but I’m glad it finally happened). Yes the originals are iconic, but I’m loving where things are going with this new series. Storytellers have a responsibility to be aware of their influence, and evolve the narrative to nudge society forward. Good job Rain Johnson.
sandtoesha 
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