Carrie Fisher's role in the first three installments of the Star Wars franchise, Princess Leia, was the embodiment of feminism. Not only was she a powerful leader for the people of her home planet Alderaan, but she wore the pants in her relationships with brother, Luke and love interest, Han Solo (Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford).
She re-defined what it means to be a princess. Instead of a damsel in distress, she was a damsel in defense who volunteered to fight for what she believed in. Not only was Leia royalty, but in the most recent installment, Episode 7: The Force Awakens, we see her referred to as General. After everything she had been through: losing her home planet, her son, and her marriage, she still never gave up fighting against Darth Vader and his destructive Empire. Because of her determination and dedication to the Rebellion, she gained the respect of those around her and developed a massive following from others who were also seeking a free galaxy. She had inspired them.
Fisher played her character so effortlessly, it seemed as if Leia was actually a part of herself. Every girl has it in her to be a damsel in defense. But sometimes it is not as effortless as Carrie Fisher played it to be. Speaking up in general is not an easy task. But being female and speaking up, in a world that will never see true equality between men and women, is even more difficult. Princess/General Leia would never settle for being subordinate in a society filled with power-hungry men.
Here's how you can honor Carrie Fisher and her strong, inspirational portrayal of Leia:
1. Don't be afraid to disagree. You should not feel bad about having a different opinion than someone else. And honestly, having a different point of view makes a conversation more interesting. Believe it or not, it is possible to have a civil conversation while at the same time having completely different perspectives. Even so, don't be worried about hurting someone else's feelings. You are really only responsible for your own.
2. Take a stand against Mansplaining. No woman should ever have to deal with condescension or any form of sexism. The next time some guy decides to belittle you and crush your spirits, call him out on it! Of course, mansplaining is not something women should have to deal with at all. But if we are all able to recognize the fact that the mansplainer exists, and in turn, can rise up against him, we are one step closer to his extinction.
3. Do your research. It's important to be able to have conversations about the problems of today's world. Passionate about social issues (like feminism, for instance)? Foreign current events? Politics? Invest some time in learning about what is important to you. Go to the library and check out a book or even just download a reliable news app like BBC News or Reddit. Then, the next time someone asks you why you care so much, you have facts to back up your opinions.
4. Take charge of your body. Everyday and in many ways, females are told what to do with their bodies and how they should look. You should love your body and take good care of it but not because of the countless "cultural norms" surrounding the epidemic that is the "ideal female image." Be comfortable in your own skin. Just be you. You are you for a reason.
5. Be fearless. It most certainly is not easy to be fearless. But if you start by simply standing up for someone you see walking down the hall who's being picked on for how they look, that's one big step in the right direction. Be heard!
Stand up for what you believe in and never give up. With that kind of ideology, we put up a good fight against the Darth Vader's of our world. Like Carrie Fisher said, "There is no point at which you can say, 'Well, I'm successful now. I might as well take a nap.'"
Rest in Peace, General Leia (1956-2016)
