To the non-Star Wars fan, Princess Leia Organa is solely remembered as the girl with the "donuts" on the sides of her face and the "sexy" slave outfit. The girl, that to the unobservant glance, is merely the "love interest" archetype. Casually throwing "Star Wars" away as the beginning of the "frivolous" science fiction stereotype of "hot women and aliens." Writing it off without even sitting through the very first scene. Only to pipe up out of the Outer Rim to spread darkness across the galaxy... Pulling snide remarks, shooting first, as women are given more "visible" center stage. Joining the Imperial Fleet with the chanted slogan, "Yet another film spin-off trying to force representation." Spreading lies to every system in their wake.
Never daring to take to that TRUE galaxy far, far away... Where the WOMEN are running the show.
Women have always been the most crucial asset of the "Star Wars" franchise. But, more times than not-- they have constantly been glossed over and disregarded to the point they aren't even featured in their own merchandise. (I'm staring directly at you Star Wars Monopoly!!) When in reality... There would be NO galaxy without them.
Princess Leia Organa is more than just a gorgeous face. She is a gun toting Rebellion leader. Risking her life to be entrusted with the plans to destroy Vader's Death Star to being a central part of General Solo's mission to destroy the new Death Star's shield generator on Endor-- she is far from a damsel in distress. Her character is completely framed around her desire to do what's right, without a moment's hesitation-- willing to die trying.
She marked the very beginning of the "Star Wars" vision of cinematic womanhood: all action, some attitude, and practical clothing. She is never forced into the archetypal "sexed up" wardrobe. She is dressed for the mission, for her own comfort. Fighting the Empire in her own brand of compatibility. Boots and vests on Hoth to camouflage and helmets on Endor-- she is dressed to act. Even in her intimate romantic screen time, she isn't dressed to "entice"-- instead she is simply as she is, never forced into the box of film's exaggerated image of "femininity." Voicing a further reaching, more crucial statement: women are to be loved for their minds, their whole person, their individuality-- not the petty, one-dimensional sole focus of physical appearance.
Sure, there's the "slave" ensemble, but that was by no personal choice. After being caught releasing Han Solo, Jabba The Hut purposely put her in said outfit in order to "demean" her. But, guess what-- she found a way to use the very chains used in order to "entrap" her to kill the very person that put her in them.
Literally, as well as symbolically, taking a knife to the sexualization of women in film.
Her very voice literally leads the action of the films. From her spot on the Alliance High Command, she is not only the action but the brains of the entire operation. Working in tandem with like minds, in order to reclaim the very freedoms the Empire tried to extract from the galaxy. She never stops fighting, she always pushes forward-- defeating setbacks in her wake. Nothing will defeat her. Even in the face of watching her entire planet being destroyed before her very eyes, Leia never loses sight of herself. She keeps carrying on. Fighting to ensure that the very same tragedy will never befall another civilization. She is not only courageous but selfless.
It is her strength that carries the Alliance to their victory, and even then-- when the New Republic decides to disarm its military... She keeps pushing back.
She never gives up her beliefs just because they aren't "popular" or "permittable." Instead, she keeps following them, whether it be through her Senate seat or her formation of the Resistance.
Leia Organa is the very reason the galaxy is even prepared to keep moving forward.
So next time somebody tries to throw the snide remark, "Princess" your way, just remember... Princesses start rebellions, end wars, and save galaxies.
