CT Jones has written a fantastic opinion piece at RollingStone.com, discussing how Star Wars can survive in a world where a vocal minority of fans take every opportunity to express disdain at any content put out by Disney, regardless of its merits or quality.
This backlash of racism, sexism, and online abuse seems consistent across all Star Wars projects — most heavily targeted at leads of color. But when online pundits criticize Star Wars for taking a “woke” direction, they ignore the power that exists in the source material to begin with. Lucas himself has pointed out his intentional choices in making powerful and high ranking women integral to the success of each film. “Who do you think the heroes are in these stories? What do you think Princess Leia was? She’s the head of the rebellion. She’s the one that’s taking this young kid who doesn’t know anything and this boisterous, I-know-everything guy who can’t do anything and trying to save the rebellion with these clowns,” Lucas said in May at the Cannes Film Festival. “And it’s the same thing with Queen Amidala.” He’s also pushed back on the idea that his world was created just for white men. “Most of the people are aliens! The idea is you’re supposed to accept people for what they are, whether they’re big and furry or whether they’re green or whatever,” he added. “The idea is all people are equal.”
But what it seems like extreme fans don’t realize is that they’re creating a space where even the truest of Star Wars fans still wouldn’t want to participate. Let’s be real. If you thought you could make the next great Star Wars iteration, but you knew that your project could be lambasted simply for casting a person of color, is that where you would invest your time? Or if you were an actor of color choosing between two roles you believed in, would you pick the one that came with an almost guaranteed hate campaign? The Star Wars fans clamoring for a return to the originals aren’t just talking nonsense, they’re ruining their chances to see the franchise they love grow in any meaningful way. Star Wars is about a galaxy filled with endless choices, battles, and people trying to make a difference. The fans who are loudest at the moment aren’t just willfully ignoring Lucas’ original vision. They’re making their own worlds smaller in the process.
The full article is behind a paywall but if you get the opportunity, it is well worth a read.
