Thoughts

Almost all of the credit for the success of Star Wars seems to go to George Lucas, and I do not challenge that. All I want to do is thank everyone, including Lucas, for the roles they played in bringing Star Wars into our lives. And yes, I do refer to the original three movies (now episodes 4-6). My complaints with the new ones? No, not here. That is a separate issue for some other time. Today is a post to celebrate the triumph under the Star Wars emblem.

In thinking about this post last night I planned to talk about Star Wars as a sub-culture. The problem with that is the bubble is too big. This is a full blown Star Wars culture. While there is nothing wrong with it, those who are not fans of Star Wars appear to be in the minority.

What else can bring together so many people under one common interest? For nearly 30 years now Star Wars has delighted fans and it may only be picking up steam. Many people make fun of those who take Star Wars seriously enough to show up at 12:01am dressed as their favorite characters; the costumes elaborate and the wearers proud and uninhibited. We often label these people as "nerds" for their outward manifestation of a fanatic interest in some Galaxy far far away, though we share in this fascination.

The fact is that as a society we do not harbor any ill will towards these people, in fact we celebrate it with sketches on comedy shows and exclusive reports for the news. We love Star Wars too.

Is it silly that we are a population of adults who embrace each other in all of our diverse glory as we come together united behind the plight of the Jedi? I think in the world we live in where often times we focus too closely on the negative it is everything but silly that we can unite under our common bond of Star Wars.

It may be the nerd in me, but I respect and salute the diehards who were in full regalia last night for the midnight showings across the country and those others around the globe. Sure, it is a little funny, but it is not often that they have an opportunity to dust off the Vader masks and Jedi robes. No, there was not proof of Big Foot's existence yesterday, those were pictures of people dressed as Wookies to celebrate Episode III.

I saw my first Storm Trooper up close and personal yesterday and I can say that it was a religious experience. I now consider myself one of the lucky ones. I was close enough to reach out and touch him. I did not, however, opt for a photo opportunity as did many others around him.

Thank you Star Wars.