Ron Samul, Thames Academy Faculty member, will be presenting at the Northeast Popular/American Culture Association this month to discuss The Star Wars Effect: Creating a Culture of Imagination.His research and presentation discusses how the Star Wars films, merchandise franchise, and fan base has become part of our common popular culture. From the Regan Star Wars missile defense system to the fan-driven 501st Storm Trooper battalion, the very idea of Star Wars is embedded in popular cultural. Not only did this film series spur on the imaginations of kids all over the world, it also spurred the most prolific mass marketing campaign of toys, video games, books, and other media. The paper will also discuss the expanding universe, new offshoots, and of course, the new movie slated for release in December. George Lucas and his vision of the future, set in the past has and continues to inspire fans again and again. For some, it is nostalgic and for others it is a new and evolving experience.
Ron teaches a graphic novel course for the Thames Academy students and enjoys talking about comics, popular culture, and Star Wars. He feels that immersion into popular culture is a touchstone for students and teachers to come together. "Star Wars isn't for everyone," Samul says. "But I bet everyone has heard 'May the force be with you.' And now that Disney owns the Star Wars Franchise, it will only continue to flourish." This is Ron's second year attending the NEPCA conference which will be held on October 30-31, 2015 in New London, New Hampshire.
