Revenge of the Sith (2005) // The Force Awakens (2015)
Kylo Ren’s gonna be so pissed when he sees this
Tag: rey
Jillian Holtzmann taught me to embrace and not be ashamed of my sexuality. Furiosa taught me that I don’t have to fit into this world in order to be seen and heard. Wanda Maximoff taught me that no matter how scared I am someone is always going through the same thing. Ellen Ripley taught me to be my own woman and stand up for myself when faced with a challenge. Sarah Connor taught me that a woman can be strong and still be emotional. Wonder Woman taught me to respect myself in a society that might not always respect me. Mako Mori taught me to keep fighting even if it feels like there is nothing left to fight for. Rita Vrataski taught me to not take any shit from anybody. Rey taught me that even in dark times I can always find hope.
Don’t ever doubt the strength of fictional characters and the power they hold. These fictional women have taught me everything about myself and who I can strive to be, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for strong women everywhere giving me and every woman and girl in the world the opportunities that we deserve.
If I may I add:
Buffy taught me it is okay to make mistakes. Hermione taught me not to worry about what others thought. She-Hulk taught me I could be kickass and still feminine. Xena taught me it was alright to embrace my darkness. Jessica Jones taught me that even the worst of times do not define me.
I will tell you where I thought I (Luke Skywalker) came in.
Rey is given a luxury that comes so easily to male heroes – she simply turns a corner, finds a magical item (Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber, no less) and it awakens the Force in her. Just that. No searing infertility, no rape, no revelation of past abuse, no heartbreak, no sacrifice. No heroine whose validity is defined by what she has sacrificed, in the way of Katniss handing up her life for her sister, becoming a martyr for a revolution. In the way of Ariel, handing over her power to speak in order to walk on land. No poison apple, no needle on a spinning wheel here.