Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. Now, this not only includes fictional female characters in geeky media, but creators as well. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for young girls to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following is rife with spoilers galore for The Mandalorian. If you’re not already caught up with the first live-action Star Wars series ever, I suggest you remedy that. Baby Yoda, you guys. Baby Yoda. Enough said.
Cara Dune
Fast Facts:
Now, Carasynthia “Cara” Dune (Gina Carano) was born on Alderaan. She served as a shock trooper for the Alliance to Restore the Republic and the New Republic amid the Galactic Civil War. After her military stint, she opted to become a mercenary. Cara sought an “early retirement” on the backwater planet Sorgan. She encountered a Mandalorian for the Bounty Hunter’s Guild by the name of Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal). They engaged in brief hand-to-hand combat because the latter believed Cara to be his bounty.
Next, Djarin enlisted Cara to help him defend a tiny village from Klatooinian raiders. The pair worked well together and managed to protect the village from said raiders. Later, Cara tag-teamed with Djarin for a second time on Nevarro. Greef Karga’s (Carl Weathers) city was under attack by Imperial forces. After the trio reigned victorious, Cara became Karga’s personal enforcer and joined the Guild herself.
The Real Deal:
Now, Cara is the real deal. She’s a formidable mercenary with extensive military training. She gave the Mandalorian a run for his money when the two skirmished. And that was with Djarin sporting a nearly impenetrable metallic suit! Not only is she an incredibly gifted fighter, but she has the brains to compliment her physical attributes. Cara is intuitive, clever, and pragmatic. She doesn’t allow emotion to cloud her judgement. Her levelheaded thinking pays off when faced with a dire situation.
Also, there’s something to be said for a woman who doesn’t go with the flow. She bowed out of her military service when her tasks went beyond what she “signed up for.” She knows what she wants, and that’s admirable.
Why She Matters:
Alright, why does she matter? Cara isn’t your typical pixie “waif” doling out punches. Her body is built like a fighter. You genuinely believe she would win in physical combat. Cara isn’t stick-thin. Her body is more akin to what we see in the real world. It’s not viewed through a Hollywood glamour filter. Not only that, but The Mandalorian doesn’t sexualize her in any way, which is wonderful. I wholeheartedly believe young girls will see Cara in themselves. They’ll unlock their own respective inner warriors.
So, be like Cara. Go against the grain. Don’t be afraid to join the fight. Always maintain a level head in tough situations. Oh, and watch out for a 50 year-old child and his Force abilities. He may try to choke you.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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