Also, the theme of unforeseen consequences of individualism and elitism have on a person is spot on for Lucas. Yeah, individualism can be good, especially as someone who came from a collectivist culture where conformity is upheld and loathed it, but I have to admit individualism killed community. It’s one reason for the male loneliness epidemic, which is the low key theme of Star War prequels and how Anakin became Darth Vader. This is alongside with toxic masculinity on keeping a stiff upper lip, and not being attached to emotions including love. The blind worshipping of rationality of elites dismisses emotion, even though the latter is just as real as facts. Corruption also drives populism and the yearning for dictators.
George Lucas presented these interesting ideas and themes, but have done so in such an awkward way on the prequels. I think the amazing action scenes are what lifted and saved the prequel series rather than the heavy themes.
Credit where credit is due. I feel such themes will always be awkward because at the end of the day, they are so fundamental to the human experience that you will always upset someone without even trying when you bring them up.
You have people who hate individualism because they grew up neglected even in their own homes and isolated from any sense of community and family.
You have people who hate collectivism because they were pressured since youth to perform or conform to a specific route.
Both extremes are always wrong, but its important to address by reframing the narrative.
That, for me, has always been the strongpoint of fiction and entertainment.
Also, the theme of unforeseen consequences of individualism and elitism have on a person is spot on for Lucas. Yeah, individualism can be good, especially as someone who came from a collectivist culture where conformity is upheld and loathed it, but I have to admit individualism killed community. It’s one reason for the male loneliness epidemic, which is the low key theme of Star War prequels and how Anakin became Darth Vader. This is alongside with toxic masculinity on keeping a stiff upper lip, and not being attached to emotions including love. The blind worshipping of rationality of elites dismisses emotion, even though the latter is just as real as facts. Corruption also drives populism and the yearning for dictators.
George Lucas presented these interesting ideas and themes, but have done so in such an awkward way on the prequels. I think the amazing action scenes are what lifted and saved the prequel series rather than the heavy themes.
Edit: clarity and formatting
If you don’t mind some spoilers for Jedi: Survivor
Tap for spoiler
Cal decides “The Jedi fucked things up, I’m not beholden to their rules” and starts a relationship in that game. It feels nice
Credit where credit is due. I feel such themes will always be awkward because at the end of the day, they are so fundamental to the human experience that you will always upset someone without even trying when you bring them up.
You have people who hate individualism because they grew up neglected even in their own homes and isolated from any sense of community and family.
You have people who hate collectivism because they were pressured since youth to perform or conform to a specific route.
Both extremes are always wrong, but its important to address by reframing the narrative.
That, for me, has always been the strongpoint of fiction and entertainment.