She was a Force unto herself. For those of us born in the generation of Aurora and Cinderella, Princess Leia’s trademark cinnamon buns were the first tip-off. How can one be true female royalty without a crown? Carrie Fisher taught us how.
 |
| Disney |
This daughter of Debbie Reynolds ruled her universe with “Girl Power”, a still-struggling concept in the infancy of the age of feminism. Until Carrie, our female heroines donned high-heeled glass slippers, swooned at the sight of danger, and waited patiently for their “prince to come”, this Star Wars counterpart was kicking butt and waiting for no man.
Carrie gave young women in the 70s power, the force to become masters of our own universe and create our own happy ending. Whether strangling Jabba the Hut, posing as a Stormtrooper, or going toe-to-toe with Darth Vader, Princess Leia Organa Skywalker Solo was no prissy princess. She mussed her hair, got her face dirty, wielded a blaster like (no, better) than Luke, and spoke with an acerbic tongue. It seems the character and Carrie were kindred spirits. She is quoted: “They asked me on the day if I wanted to have a stunt double kill Jabba. No! That’s the best time I ever had as an actor. And the only reason to go into acting is if you can kill a giant monster.”
This author, who was raised in the age of Barbie Doll, will remember General Leia Organa; the tough-talking diplomat warrior who challenged my generation’s passive female roles. I may still shine up my crown from time to time, but myself and fellow “rebel” Baby Boomers saute you…
 |
| The scene of my own Boomer Rebel Challenge |
Leave a Reply