I was a not so old science student myself when the very first Star Wars movie arrived on the scene. I was old enough to appreciate how very different and tech savvy it was and I was young enough to get caught up in the excitement of the story. I was a fan all the way. And I still am.
I have also been made aware over the years mostly by well-meaning female colleagues that the original Star Wars movies promoted sexist stereotypes. Remember, Princess Leia in that outfit and the chain around her neck resting beside the corpulent Jabba the Hut? What post-pubescent boy could forget!
One fellow science teacher told me she was going to pass on seeing the new Star Wars movie.
"Why?" I asked aghast at the idea.
"I just think they're boring," she replied, "And undoubtably, still perpetuating those stereotypes. I'm sure the women will be scantily clad at some point."
"Don't you want to give it a chance?"
"You go see it and let me know."
So I did. I saw it...three times. It was great.
Star Wars Feminized
I happily reported back to my friend that, not only were there are no scantily clad females, the main character is a young woman who is more than capable of taking care of herself. Furthermore, Princess Leia is now a general.
"We'll see," she said, remaining doubtful.
There are two more movies in this time round to come. Not knowing anything about them, I went searching for details.
I have also been made aware over the years mostly by well-meaning female colleagues that the original Star Wars movies promoted sexist stereotypes. Remember, Princess Leia in that outfit and the chain around her neck resting beside the corpulent Jabba the Hut? What post-pubescent boy could forget!
One fellow science teacher told me she was going to pass on seeing the new Star Wars movie.
"Why?" I asked aghast at the idea.
"I just think they're boring," she replied, "And undoubtably, still perpetuating those stereotypes. I'm sure the women will be scantily clad at some point."
"Don't you want to give it a chance?"
"You go see it and let me know."
So I did. I saw it...three times. It was great.
Star Wars Feminized
I happily reported back to my friend that, not only were there are no scantily clad females, the main character is a young woman who is more than capable of taking care of herself. Furthermore, Princess Leia is now a general.
"We'll see," she said, remaining doubtful.
There are two more movies in this time round to come. Not knowing anything about them, I went searching for details.
The Next Star Wars Trilogy
This next trilogy will cover Chapters 7, 8 and 9 with the most recent chapter The Force Awakens having the only known title so far. The Force Awakens begins about 30 years after the last movie ended. Leia and Hans won't see 65 again and are not together, having endured a somewhat tumultuous relationship. Luke disappeared many years ago after a scandalous betrayal by one of his Jedi students. The conflict between good and evil continues as the Rebellion and the Empire continue to duke it out to see who will ultimately control the universe. I won't spoil it for you by saying anymore. If you want a more in depth synopsis, go to this link on Wikipedia.
Why I think It Is Important to Embrace It
Let's face it: this is your student's Star Wars; this is the trilogy they will grow up with. There are two more movies to come in this trilogy which will reportedly take up to nine years to film, produce and get into the theaters. It is here to stay for the next decade. Your students will be playing with the toys, reading the spinoff books and re-watching the films as soon as they are out on DVD or Netflix. So, if you are lukewarm about all of it, please rethink that position. Get onboard...the teachable moments from this are just too numerous to pass up, especially if you are a science teacher.
This next trilogy will cover Chapters 7, 8 and 9 with the most recent chapter The Force Awakens having the only known title so far. The Force Awakens begins about 30 years after the last movie ended. Leia and Hans won't see 65 again and are not together, having endured a somewhat tumultuous relationship. Luke disappeared many years ago after a scandalous betrayal by one of his Jedi students. The conflict between good and evil continues as the Rebellion and the Empire continue to duke it out to see who will ultimately control the universe. I won't spoil it for you by saying anymore. If you want a more in depth synopsis, go to this link on Wikipedia.
Why I think It Is Important to Embrace It
Let's face it: this is your student's Star Wars; this is the trilogy they will grow up with. There are two more movies to come in this trilogy which will reportedly take up to nine years to film, produce and get into the theaters. It is here to stay for the next decade. Your students will be playing with the toys, reading the spinoff books and re-watching the films as soon as they are out on DVD or Netflix. So, if you are lukewarm about all of it, please rethink that position. Get onboard...the teachable moments from this are just too numerous to pass up, especially if you are a science teacher.