39. Women in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

To kick off the new year, Janine does an episode on Star Wars and some of the most notable female characters in the franchise.

The Sci-Fi Feminist - A Feminism and Pop Culture Podcast
The Sci-Fi Feminist - A Feminism and Pop Culture Podcast
39. Women in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
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What to expect from episode 39: Women in a Galaxy Far, Far Away?

Welcome back

Janine welcomes listeners back and gives a shout out to her Patreon supporters. She then introduces this episode’s topic – something she should have done a long time ago – Star Wars.

Janine’s introduction to Star Wars

Before starting the discussion, Janine recounts her first introduction to the Star Wars franchise when she was young. She also reflects on the first time she saw The Force Awakens.

The legacy of women in Star Wars and sci-fi

Janine remembers the first time she saw Princess Lea’s slave bikini at a gaming convention. She then explain where Lea’s early representation falls into feminism and feminist criticism. Janine also chats a bit about another infamous sci-fi heroine from that era, Barbarella.

Lea as a general

Following this discussion, Janine reflects on Lea’s status as a general in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. She explains how Lea’s transformation in representation reveals a lot about the zeitgeist.

Admiral Holdo

The second character Janine chats about is Admiral Holdo. She then elaborates on the trend of seeing older powerful women on screen and second wave feminism. Janine suggests that this shows a resurgence of second wave feminism in contemporary sci-fi.

Rey Skywalker

Janine moves onto a discussion of Rey and fourth wave feminism. She recaps what fourth wave feminism is all about and lists a few fourth wave sci-fi heroines. Janine then explains all the ways in which Rey embodies fourth wave feminist characteristics. This discussion also includes a comparison between Rey and older sci-fi heroines, like Ellen Ripley and Captain Janeway.

Wrap up

Janine wraps up the episode by briefly referring to The Mandalorian and female characters in the show. She thanks listeners and reminds everyone of her social media platforms.

Episode Credits

Host

  • Janine Engelbrecht

Editor

  • Janine Engelbrecht

Small Print

The theme music is "Dashboard Light" by One Two Feet, and is licenced by Holosuite Media through Epidemic Sound.

This podcast is a fan production. All views made are that of the individual(s), and may not represent that of the podcast, or the Holosuite Media network.

The Sci-Fi Feminist - A Feminism and Pop Culture Podcast
The Sci-Fi Feminist - A Feminism and Pop Culture Podcast
39. Women in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
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