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The Stormtrooper Paradox

and how it represents our society

By Hoesane HakkemPublished 12 months ago 3 min read
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a stormtrooper, after witnessing the death of another stormtrooper

We live in a society where soldiers are often seen as disposable pawns in a larger game of politics and power. They are dehumanized and reduced to faceless, emotionless soldiers who are easily defeated in battle. This dehumanization of soldiers can make it easier to accept their deaths and the violence they are involved in. It can also make it harder for soldiers to return to civilian life and reconnect with their own humanity.

In this essay, I will discuss the Stormtrooper Paradox and how it relates to the dehumanization of soldiers and the importance of recognizing their individuality through the example of Finn (an ex-stormtrooper).

The Stormtrooper Paradox in the Star Wars franchise highlights the dangers of this dehumanization of soldiers. Stormtroopers are portrayed as emotionless and robotic soldiers who are easily defeated in battle. They are often seen as mere pawns in the larger game of power and politics that is being played out in the galaxy. However, this portrayal raises important questions about how we perceive and treat soldiers in our society.

Through the character of Finn, the Stormtrooper Paradox is challenged, and the perception of the Stormtroopers changes. Finn is a Stormtrooper who defects from the First Order and joins the Resistance. He humanizes the Stormtroopers by showing that they are not all mindless drones, but rather individuals who are capable of making their own choices and having their own motivations.

Finn's character arc highlights the complexity of soldiers' experiences and the importance of recognizing their individuality. Despite being trained as a Stormtrooper, Finn chooses to defect from the First Order and join the Resistance. This emphasizes the fact that soldiers are not simply cogs in a machine, but rather human beings with their own experiences and perspectives. Through Finn's character, we see the importance of agency and free will in our lives. Even in situations where it may seem like we have no control, we all have the power to make our own choices.

The Stormtrooper Paradox and Finn's character arc also have important implications for how we view soldiers in our society. By humanizing the Stormtroopers, we are reminded of the complexity of soldiers' experiences and the importance of recognizing their individuality. We are reminded that soldiers are not just faceless villains, but rather complex individuals who are capable of growth and change. This is a powerful reminder that, even in the midst of conflict and violence, we must strive to see the humanity in each other and to recognize our shared experiences as individuals.

Furthermore, the Stormtrooper Paradox also highlights the dangers of dehumanization and the importance of empathy. When soldiers are dehumanized, it becomes easier to accept their deaths and the violence they are involved in. It can also make it harder for soldiers to return to civilian life and reconnect with their own humanity. By recognizing the individuality of soldiers, we can promote empathy and understanding, which can lead to greater compassion and healing.

In conclusion, the Stormtrooper Paradox in the Star Wars franchise highlights the dangers of dehumanizing soldiers and the importance of recognizing their individuality. Finn's character arc humanizes the Stormtroopers by showing that they are not just mindless drones, but rather individuals with their own experiences and perspectives. This has important implications for how we view soldiers in our society and emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding. The Stormtrooper Paradox and Finn's character arc remind us of the complexity of soldiers' experiences and the importance of recognizing their individuality in promoting compassion and healing.

Thank you all for reading this.

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About the Creator

Hoesane Hakkem

Universe made tangible :D

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