Five Things Star Wars “Critics” Need to Remember

As a self-respecting and open-minded Star Wars fan, one significant challenge is dogmatic critics who claim to be "fans" of the franchise. However, these critics cannot grasp the fundamental elements of the series, such as exploring politics, social justice issues, women in power, and the injustices of war, which have been integral to the franchise since its inception with A New Hope nearly five decades ago.

Another disheartening aspect is the prevalence of cruel internet smear campaigns targeting franchise-based actors based on their race and gender. Such campaigns discourage people from engaging with the franchise and the fandom, creating a hostile environment for fans. It is crucial to emphasize the need for creating safe and inclusive spaces within fandoms, ensuring that people from all backgrounds can enjoy their favorite movies, books, and shows without encountering such toxicity.

So, here are five things Star Wars “critics” need to remember.

5. Star Wars Is a Vast World

The Star Wars franchise offers decades of storytelling with a timeline covering centuries, long before the events of the Skywalker Saga films. Fans can explore different eras: the Old Republic, the High Republic, the Clone Wars, the Imperial Era, and the New Republic. Each period provides diverse stories, characters, timelines, and settings for fans to engage with. Whether through films, shows, books, or games, there are countless ways for fans to enjoy the franchise. The only limit is how much joy they want to get from it.

4. Female Have Always Been A Huge Part of The Franchise.

Throughout the Star Wars narrative, female characters have been pivotal, existing alongside iconic droids and alien species. However, certain critics have complained about these female characters being presented as "too strong" or embodying "too many male character traits". Delving deeper reveals that these characters are far more complex than mere warriors wielding blasters and sabers.

Characters like Satine Kryze and Padme Amidala stand out as powerful political figures who challenge the violence and injustices of war, seeking diplomatic solutions to end conflicts peacefully. In contrast, characters like Hera Syndulla, a Twi'lek Rebel pilot, carry the weight of personal loss while fighting against an oppressive empire. Additionally, the series includes diverse BIPOC characters such as Sabine Wren, Koska Reeves, Doctor Arpha, and Osha Aniseya, whose identities contribute to their unique character arcs rather than defining them solely based on their ethnicity.

While the characterizations and development of female characters in the Star Wars universe may have room for improvement, most of them are far from being "Mary Sue"-type figures. They possess their own stories and paths that allow for growth and evolution. Suggesting that eliminating these characters would enhance the series would be akin to removing the magical elements from the Harry Potter world.

3. Star Wars Has Always Been Appealing to Children and Families

"The reason I'm making Star Wars is that I want to give young people some sort of faraway, exotic environment for their imaginations to run around in," he said in an interview. "I have a strong feeling about interesting kids in space exploration. I want them to want it. I want them to get beyond the basic stupidities of the moment and think about colonizing Venus and Mars. And the only way it's going to happen is to have some dumb kid fantasize about it - to get his ray gun, jump in his ship, and run off with this Wookie into outer space. It's our only hope in a way."

—George Lucas on why he aimed Star Wars at kids.

It's important to remember that when some fans criticize Disney-based Star Wars content for not aligning with the Original Trilogy or not being as dark as DC films, it's crucial to recall George Lucas's initial vision for the franchise. Lucas intended for Star Wars to cater to families, explaining the wide array of child-centered merchandise available. From child-sized Ahsoka Tano costumes to Rey Skywalker Barbie dolls, there are plenty of options for young fans. Even the Disney Store offers lightweight Dark sabers and Grogu stuffed animals alongside Disney Princess dolls and Bluey action figures.

Additionally, Disney's commitment to inclusivity is clear in creating The Young Jedi Adventures, a preschool series set 200 years before The Phantom Menace. This series introduces young children to the Star Wars universe in a fun and engaging way. Furthermore, Amazon offers Lightsaber Forge Kybercore sabers that allow young children to customize their favorite canon light sabers and spark their imagination, encouraging them to explore their creativity in the same way adults do. These initiatives show Lucas's vision of a family-oriented franchise, where children can immerse themselves in the Star Wars galaxy and develop their imagination.

2. No More Smear Campaigns Against the Actors

In response to the recent Acolyte series on Disney+, some fans have launched a cruel online smear campaign against actress Amadala Stenberg, who portrays the dual roles of Mae and Osha Aniseya. This targeting of Stenberg is unfortunately not an isolated incident, as other Star Wars actresses such as Hayden Christensen, Ahmed Best, Jake Lloyd, and Kelly Marie Tran have faced similar brutal harassment campaigns. It is important to recognize that while movies and shows may have flaws; the actors are never at fault for the imperfect material they are given to work with. The responsibility lies with the writers and directors who bring the writing material to life. Respect for everyone involved in the creative process is essential.

1. Star Wars Has Always Been “Woke” Since 1977

In my previous article, I discussed how X-Men and other Disney-based movies and shows delve into real-world themes. Similarly, Star Wars has consistently explored themes of war and social justice. These stories depict the struggles against oppression, seeking freedom and justice, and the formation of alliances. They also explore the complexities of ideological conflicts, personal sacrifices, and the manipulation of political systems. Additionally, Star Wars examines the consequences of war, authoritarianism, and the erosion of democratic values. It highlights the struggles of marginalized individuals and the impact of war on communities while raising questions about loyalty and identity. Even the sequel trilogy reflects on real-world struggles for peace and justice.

The purpose of these epic narratives in Star Wars is to delve into the intricate tapestry of morality, the consequences of conflict, and the significance of standing up against injustice in a galaxy far, far away.

Conclusion.

Critics of Star Wars, particularly those who resist its inclusive and expansive storytelling, should remember that the franchise has always been diverse and rich. From its inception, Star Wars has addressed complex themes such as social justice, the impact of war, and the importance of diverse voices. Including strong female characters and the portrayal of political and social issues are not recent additions but have been core elements since the original trilogy.

Critics should appreciate the franchise's evolution, which includes exploring new narratives and characters that reflect its inclusive ethos and commitment to mirroring real-world struggles in its epic tales. Harassment campaigns against actors and resistance to progressive storytelling undermine the spirit of a saga meant to inspire hope and unity across generations and cultures. Embracing the inclusive and imaginative world of Star Wars enriches the experience for all fans, ensuring that the galaxy far, far away remains a welcoming space for everyone.