"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" has seen massive box-office success since it's theatrical release on December 18. In nearly two and half weeks, the film has grossed over $1.5 billion, making it the highest grossing film in the franchise and the sixth highest grossing film of all time. Ten years in the making, the newest "Star Wars" film has become a phenomenon, continuing to fill movie theaters and unite generations.
More than just a blockbuster with a well-written plot, the franchise became successful for purposes beyond industrial light and magic (pun intended). The original trilogy drew comparisons between the political quagmire of the 1960s and '70s, and the expansive interstellar wars of the "Star Wars" universe. At a time when Americans could see our foreign enemies and their seemingly robotic armies in the polished helmets of The Empire's Stormtroopers, or held a general mistrust of governments, politics, and the media in the eyes of Han Solo, Americans were also witnessing the deaths of millions of Cambodians and many proxy wars all around the world.
In the United States, marches for civil and equal rights were held in Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and hundred of cities all over the country. The Equal Rights Amendment was in the making and passed in the Spring of 1979, protecting the civil rights of all citizens regardless of sex.
While she was the only main female star, Carrie Fischer portrayed the powerful and independent Princess Leia, the future General of the Resistance and the strong and decisive leader of Alderaan. The original "Star Wars" trilogy was quite progressive in its attitude toward women and liberal politics. It represented the progress of the 1970s and the space race, imagining fantasy ships of the future and colonizing space worlds unseen.
As the trilogy continued into the late '90s and early 2000s, the same themes carried through the new stories as a new war and a new enemy, as the origin of Darth Vader unfolded, and we saw the images of Al Qaeda reflected in the fires of Coruscant.
In the early 2000s, Condoleeza Rice took the place as the second female Secretary of State and Natalie Portman took on the role of Queen Amidala, the second female head of state and lead in the series.
The second trilogy was significantly more diverse than the original, highlighting the new millennium and foreshadowing the liberal politics that would shake up the American political landscape at the end of the Bush era.
The new trilogy continues this tradition, highlighting the political events of 2015. "The Force Awakens," like the previous trilogies, features a strong female lead in the role of Rey and diversity with the role of Finn -- the first African-American lead and the third African-American main character in the series.
In a year consumed by stories of women's equality, gun violence, war, and ISIS, "The Force Awakens" continues the story of fighting against the evil forces -- the Kylo Rens, who seek to destroy entire worlds. We seek out old heroes -- the Lukes and Leias and Han Solos, the rogue and rebellious fighters who ceaselessly fight for the good and the innocent in the world.
More than just a phenomenon, "Star Wars" remains relevant through generations. It continues to echo the sentiments of hope and goodness that we continue to fight for. For a new generation, "Star Wars" brings life to their feelings of hope and seeking a hero for themselves to look up to.