Popular Press
The ‘Barbie’ and ‘Star Wars’ Universes are Entertaining, but They Also Unexpectedly Can Help People Understand Why Revolutions Happen
The Conversation
(2023)
Abstract
Barbie dolls and “Star Wars” movies and toys have entertained generations of American children – in many cases, well into adulthood. But these brands’ influence stretches beyond a penchant for hot pink and lightsaber battles.
In particular, both the “Barbie” movie, released in July 2023, and a “Star Wars” franchise television series called “Andor” offer important lessons about revolutions.
Hollywood has long been obsessed with revolutions. There are uprisings in other popular movie franchises like “The Hunger Games,” “Harry Potter” and “Avatar.”
In each fictional universe, an oppressed group stages a revolution that fights for political and economic freedom.
Keywords
- revolution,
- Star Wars,
- Hollywood,
- repression,
- Barbie dolls,
- civil unrest,
- oppression,
- Barbie movie
Disciplines
Publication Date
September 29, 2023
Citation Information
Michael A. Allen and Julie VanDusky-Allen. "The ‘Barbie’ and ‘Star Wars’ Universes are Entertaining, but They Also Unexpectedly Can Help People Understand Why Revolutions Happen" The Conversation (2023) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/julie-vandusky-allen/20/