Neoliberal Aesthetics of Resistance in the Disney Star Wars Films: Rescripting Rebellion

The Walt Disney Corporation has produced five Star Wars films from 2015 to 2019, which have received mixed reactions from audiences and critics. This book explores the evolving discourse surrounding these films from a political economic perspective and critiques neoliberal ethics of resistance against fascist regimes. Abigail Reed argues that Disney's utilization of diverse identities within the franchise is ultimately regressive, as it uses these narratives to serve its private interests and undermine historically effective models of rebellion against imperialism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Walt Disney Corporation has released five theatrical films in the Star Wars galaxy, from 2015 to 2019. These films have received mixed reactions from audiences and critics, sparking ongoing public debate about representations of people of color, women, and queer individuals in 21st-century popular cinema. This book examines the evolving discourse surrounding Disney's Star Wars films from a political economic perspective, focusing on the corporate representation of marginalized communities. By analyzing the characters of Saw Gerrera, Finn, Poe Dameron, and L3-37, Abigail Reed argues that Disney's use of diverse identities within the franchise is ultimately regressive. Reed suggests that Disney employs these narratives to serve its private interests as an American global media conglomerate, undermining historically effective models of rebellion against imperialism in favor of a governance model that prioritizes Whiteness and the interests of the Global North.

Introduction:
The Star Wars franchise, created by George Lucas, has captivated audiences worldwide for decades. Since its inception, the series has expanded to include a vast array of media, including films, television shows, books, and video games. However, the Star Wars films have also been subject to intense scrutiny and criticism, particularly regarding their representations of marginalized communities.

The Walt Disney Corporation's Star Wars Films:
From 2015 to 2019, the Walt Disney Corporation produced five theatrical films in the Star Wars galaxy. These films, including "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," "Star Wars: Solo," and "Rogue One," have been met with mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike. While some praised the films for their visual effects, storytelling, and action sequences, others criticized them for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and representations of marginalized communities.

Reactions and Debates:
The Star Wars films have sparked seemingly endless public debate about representations of people of color, women, and queer people in 21st-century popular film. Many viewers and critics have expressed concerns about the lack of diversity and representation in the films, particularly in terms of the main characters and their roles. Some have argued that the films reinforce harmful stereotypes and perpetuate systemic inequalities, while others have praised the films for their efforts to include more diverse characters and narratives.

Political Economic Perspective:
This book explores the evolving discourse surrounding Disney's Star Wars films from a political economic perspective. It examines the ways in which the films are produced, distributed, and marketed, and how these processes shape the representation of marginalized communities. The book also considers the impact of these representations on audiences and the broader cultural landscape.

Corporate Representation of Marginalized Communities:
The book focuses on the corporate representation of marginalized communities in Disney's Star Wars films. It examines how the films portray these communities and how they are represented in the media and popular culture. The book also considers the ways in which these representations are used to promote corporate interests and undermine historically effective models of resistance against fascist regimes.

Critique of Neoliberal Ethics of Resistance:
The book critiques neoliberal ethics of resistance against fascist regimes. It argues that Disney's Star Wars films are part of a broader trend of corporate media that promotes neoliberal ideology and undermines effective models of resistance against oppressive regimes. The book suggests that the films promote a model of governance that centers Whiteness and the interests of the Global North, while undermining the struggles and victories of marginalized communities.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Star Wars films have sparked ongoing public debate about representations of marginalized communities in 21st-century popular film. This book explores the evolving discourse surrounding Disney's Star Wars films from a political economic perspective, focusing on the corporate representation of marginalized communities. By analyzing the characters of Saw Gerrera, Finn, Poe Dameron, and L3-37, Reed argues that Disney's use of diverse identities within the franchise is ultimately regressive. The book critiques neoliberal ethics of resistance against fascist regimes and suggests that the films promote a model of governance that centers Whiteness and the interests of the Global North, while undermining the struggles and victories of marginalized communities.

Weight: 413g
Dimension: 237 x 159 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793647382