Before I begin this opinion piece I would like to point out that I in no way am trying to force my beliefs down anyone's throat, and I sincerely apologize to anyone who sees this as me doing that exact thing. I do not label myself with any type of political standpoint, and that is not the reason I am writing this piece.
Star Wars is undeniably the biggest film franchise of all time. It is a phenomenon that has impacted cinema, entertainment, and even human culture. When put in retrospect, I find it amazing that a film franchise could have such an amazing influence on people.
2015 was the year of Star Wars. With the release of "The Force Awakens", one could not turn the corner, turn on their television, or even look at their phone without seeing something relating to Star Wars popping up. While most, myself included, reveled in excitement with any ounce of Star Wars being shown, others took to the internet to discuss their disdain. There disdain had nothing to do with the actual film itself, rather with the idea that the filmmakers had one thing on their mind: pushing a progressive agenda.
"The Force Awakens" features a extremely strong, tough, and smart heroine as it's protagonist, a unorthodox African American storm-trooper as it's deuteragonist, and an impeccable fighter pilot played by a Guatemalan actor as it's tritagonist. Oh, and to top it off, the two main antagonists of the movie are both Caucasian males. All of these things, topped off with the appearance of female storm-troopers, make these trolls on the internet bash their keyboards with disgust and villainy.
So, why does the fact that female and people of color leads in Star Wars cause such an uproar? Because in today's society, people have and obsession with confrontation. People get a high off spitting idiocy over the internet. Nowadays, too many people find things to be offensive that aren't offensive in any way. And many people are offended, and cannot accept the fact that now, in the 21st century, the leads of their beloved Star Wars movie are female and people of color.
First and foremost, any one who calls themselves a fan of Star Wars and then goes on to say how they dislike the casting choices, is not a fan of Star Wars. Plain and simple. This so called "progressive agenda" argument that many protesters yell(or should I say type), is really quite amusing. As a true Star Wars fan, I find no problem with these casting choices, and honestly am extremely happy with them. After viewing the film three times(I'm a nerd, I know) I honestly cannot picture any other actors play these parts. I adore the strong character of Rey, and she is quickly becoming on of my favorite film characters of all time. I admire absolutely everything about this character, and the actress that plays her. But in truth, what I love the most about this character is the fact that when little girls walk into a Disney Store and see all the figurines of all the princesses, they are instead more attracted to the tiny figurines of the heroine Rey. Rey is a character who is strong, smart, and fiercely independent. These are traits that everyone should strive to have, not just girls. This makes Rey the perfect embodiment of a film character who also acts as a role model to everyone. This is what many people find so scary though, a strong female protagonist that also acts as a role model for children?!?! Blasphemy! People like this are so afraid of diversity, and are stuck in the past, when honestly, it's time we start looking to the future. But, to these people I must ask, what is wrong with teaching the next generation of girls AND boys to be strong and independent? Why are you so afraid of female and characters of color? This is the 21st century and it is time you woke up to the reality that you live in. Star Wars doesn't belong to just anyone in particular. Star Wars belongs to us all.
Star Wars "The Force Awakens" was my favorite film of last year. I loved each and little moment of this movie from start to finish. When I went to see the movie for the first time, my theater was overwhelmingly crowded with people of all ages and colors. Seeing so many people there, I realized something. In the films, the Force connects every living thing and binds the galaxy together. Well for me, film and Star Wars in particular is the Force that binds every being on this Earth together. Everyone is meant for something in this world no matter your shape, size, age, gender, or skin color. And I for one believe that everyone deserves a shot to live up to their amazing potential. Star Wars proves that every single person can achieve greatness. May the force be with you all.
Star Wars is undeniably the biggest film franchise of all time. It is a phenomenon that has impacted cinema, entertainment, and even human culture. When put in retrospect, I find it amazing that a film franchise could have such an amazing influence on people.
2015 was the year of Star Wars. With the release of "The Force Awakens", one could not turn the corner, turn on their television, or even look at their phone without seeing something relating to Star Wars popping up. While most, myself included, reveled in excitement with any ounce of Star Wars being shown, others took to the internet to discuss their disdain. There disdain had nothing to do with the actual film itself, rather with the idea that the filmmakers had one thing on their mind: pushing a progressive agenda.
"The Force Awakens" features a extremely strong, tough, and smart heroine as it's protagonist, a unorthodox African American storm-trooper as it's deuteragonist, and an impeccable fighter pilot played by a Guatemalan actor as it's tritagonist. Oh, and to top it off, the two main antagonists of the movie are both Caucasian males. All of these things, topped off with the appearance of female storm-troopers, make these trolls on the internet bash their keyboards with disgust and villainy.
So, why does the fact that female and people of color leads in Star Wars cause such an uproar? Because in today's society, people have and obsession with confrontation. People get a high off spitting idiocy over the internet. Nowadays, too many people find things to be offensive that aren't offensive in any way. And many people are offended, and cannot accept the fact that now, in the 21st century, the leads of their beloved Star Wars movie are female and people of color.
First and foremost, any one who calls themselves a fan of Star Wars and then goes on to say how they dislike the casting choices, is not a fan of Star Wars. Plain and simple. This so called "progressive agenda" argument that many protesters yell(or should I say type), is really quite amusing. As a true Star Wars fan, I find no problem with these casting choices, and honestly am extremely happy with them. After viewing the film three times(I'm a nerd, I know) I honestly cannot picture any other actors play these parts. I adore the strong character of Rey, and she is quickly becoming on of my favorite film characters of all time. I admire absolutely everything about this character, and the actress that plays her. But in truth, what I love the most about this character is the fact that when little girls walk into a Disney Store and see all the figurines of all the princesses, they are instead more attracted to the tiny figurines of the heroine Rey. Rey is a character who is strong, smart, and fiercely independent. These are traits that everyone should strive to have, not just girls. This makes Rey the perfect embodiment of a film character who also acts as a role model to everyone. This is what many people find so scary though, a strong female protagonist that also acts as a role model for children?!?! Blasphemy! People like this are so afraid of diversity, and are stuck in the past, when honestly, it's time we start looking to the future. But, to these people I must ask, what is wrong with teaching the next generation of girls AND boys to be strong and independent? Why are you so afraid of female and characters of color? This is the 21st century and it is time you woke up to the reality that you live in. Star Wars doesn't belong to just anyone in particular. Star Wars belongs to us all.
Star Wars "The Force Awakens" was my favorite film of last year. I loved each and little moment of this movie from start to finish. When I went to see the movie for the first time, my theater was overwhelmingly crowded with people of all ages and colors. Seeing so many people there, I realized something. In the films, the Force connects every living thing and binds the galaxy together. Well for me, film and Star Wars in particular is the Force that binds every being on this Earth together. Everyone is meant for something in this world no matter your shape, size, age, gender, or skin color. And I for one believe that everyone deserves a shot to live up to their amazing potential. Star Wars proves that every single person can achieve greatness. May the force be with you all.