Negativity In The Star Wars Community

Negativity In The Star Wars Community | Anakin And His Angel
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Without George, there would be no Star Wars.

Let that sink in for a moment.

NO Star Wars.

Ok, now that I've got your attention, here's some things that I have felt for a long time and have decided to finally put into words. I know I'm probably going to "hear it" from some people, but I just feel that it needs to be said.

No matter what anyone has to say about George or any of the Star Wars movies, he deserves the utmost respect for making HIS dream come true and sharing it with all of us. The movies have inspired us and the characters have shaped us. We've experienced some of the best laughs and tears and have collected and created pieces that we are proud of and hold dear. Star Wars has connected us with new friends near and far and for some of us, it has even connected us with our spouses. It's a massive community of people who when standing in lines with at a convention or discussing the newest news on Twitter you know deep down that they are actually your Star Wars family. Everyone just gets IT.

Am I the only one who feels like sometimes fans forget everything George has given us? Are they taking Star Wars for granted?

It saddens and frustrates me when people constantly complain about the Prequel Trilogy or the way they'll never forgive George for altering iconic scenes in the Old Trilogy. You know that feeling when a comment is made about a loved one that you find offending or you see someone treat said person wrongfully? That's the feeling I get when someone starts talking crap about George Lucas/Star Wars. I immediately get defensive! And so I should. Like many other fans, Star Wars has been part of my life since I was a kid. It's difficult for me, as a hard core fan, to witness this constant negativity. It leads me to think that it won't ever stop. It's fine if you don't like something and make it known, but do you have to continue to talk about it until the end of time? Why do you sulk and emit negativity into the community so often? Why not focus on what you DO LIKE about Star Wars?

I don't want to just toss how many of you feel about the changes made in the OT out the window which is why I want to say that I do understand that the changes truly affected some fans. Change isn't easy, especially when you've known, for example, that Han shot first your entire life. That actually disappoints me too. Yes, there are changes I don't like and don't care for as much. But there are also changes that I think are interesting and exciting. If they are that bothersome to you, just watch the version you like best! That's really all you can do, right? Complaining and hating on George isn't going to alter what's been done.

As for the Prequels...

If you're so annoyed by Jar Jar, or you can't stand Hayden Christensen's acting, than stop watching those movies! Seriously! Why watch something that irritates you so much? There are fans, like myself, who actually really enjoy the Prequels. It's hard feeling like you have to constantly stand up for these movies with people who are supposed to be FANS. I think people forget that George had a specific vision for the Prequels and that they were never intended to feel like the Originals. But they are so wallowed in their hate for them, I'm sure it wouldn't even matter. There is so much I could say to defend this trilogy, but I feel that might be better saved for it's own post in the future.

I'm not trying to say that you should like everything about these movies. Really! You are obviously entitled to your own opinion. And we should all know that not every film is going to appeal to everyone. We're different and that's ok. My intentions in writing this post is to remind fans what George has done for us and to bring you back to all the things that you LOVE about Star Wars. Maybe if we focus on those aspects, then the Star Wars community can become an even better place!

I'd also like to warn you as The Force Awakens (and the rest of the films hereafter) approach us. There will be fans who will pick it apart, there will be people who aren't fans who just won't get it, and of course there will be those reviews that make it sound awful. If you're a fan and love it, don't let these people ruin it for you. And if you're a fan and hate it, that'll be too bad (I honestly mean that with the most sincerity. I can't imagine not loving a new Star Wars movie and I hope that day never comes!). But maybe you can refrain from bashing on it 24/7?

With that said this week has been an awesome time for fans to share their love of the Prequels. If you'd like to join in on the fun you can follow the hashtag #SWPAW and participate in the featured question each day. You can read all about the project on this Tumblr page.

Whew! Now that I've gotten that off my chest, I'm curious as to what your thoughts are? Comment below or send me a Tweet!

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