Date of Award

Spring 2023

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

English; College of Arts & Sciences

First Advisor

Matthew Heitzman

Abstract

Most children in the US grow up watching television that tries to teach them some kind of life lesson that they should carry with them as they grow up. The children’s show, Star Wars Rebels, does something similar but goes a step further to handle topics that would be considered more mature, such as the imperialistic nature of empires. The project looks at what the implications of such messages are. With an overview of studies that show how well children understand what they're watching and an examination of why the themes in this show are overlooked, the project seeks to prove that Rebels can show children how the past and present empirical behavior of the US has caused so much harm. In order to create a better future, they must learn from the country’s past mistakes and reshape it to become a place that is truly free and safe for all.

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A Short Time Ago in the Messaging of Children's Media Very Close By

Most children in the US grow up watching television that tries to teach them some kind of life lesson that they should carry with them as they grow up. The children’s show, Star Wars Rebels, does something similar but goes a step further to handle topics that would be considered more mature, such as the imperialistic nature of empires. The project looks at what the implications of such messages are. With an overview of studies that show how well children understand what they're watching and an examination of why the themes in this show are overlooked, the project seeks to prove that Rebels can show children how the past and present empirical behavior of the US has caused so much harm. In order to create a better future, they must learn from the country’s past mistakes and reshape it to become a place that is truly free and safe for all.