This essay was written as a discussion of the existence of racial stereotypes and critical cultural theory in Star Wars. Feel free to leave me a comment. I’m open to debate and comments.
Ideologies, Connotations, and Polysemy in Star Wars: How to deal with race in space
One cannot deny the existence of dominant ideologies inherent in Star Wars. George Lucas’ study of archetypes and his world views contributed to the film.
Star Wars clearly denotes an epic science-fiction film. Many light viewers of the films probably only see it, consciously, as such. Connotatively, the film has many meanings. From the viewpoint of this paper discussing race, we see such connotations as who a hero is and who he must become. How must this hero be mentored and by whom? Star Wars also connotates the meanings of good and evil–that there are even specific colors that signify good and evil: white and black. The film also messages about the existence of minorities, or aliens—how they are viewed and what their roles are as either dangerous encounters in our hero’s journey or as assistants in helping our hero succeed.
In the original star wars films minorities have very sparse roles. The dominant roles are taken by Caucasians: Luke, Han Solo, Obi Wan Kenobi, Leia, and Darth Vader. Luke is mentored by Obi Wan, who acts as a patriarchal figure. Obi Wan has great wisdom, greater than that of Darth Vader and Luke learns to trust Obi Wan.
The dominant reading from the Star Wars saga speaks of ethical rebellion—that one must stand against immoral rule. Luke epitomizes the archetypal hero who goes from being an ignorant farm boy to a wise and skilled warrior for good. In the story, he and the Rebels stand against all odds in their fight for truth and freedom. Because they fight for good, they ultimately triumph. This notion of the oppressed revolutionizing is the backbone of early American thought.
Another dominant reading is that basic Jedi principles of self-control, consistent training, and a motivation for good, are the preferred principles that can make one become “good” and a hero.
As all artifacts contain potentially infinite interpretations, Star Wars is no different. Synchronic polysemy exists as different audiences view the film. Those of Christian backgrounds idolize the righteous qualities of the Jedi and the Rebels. Protestant faiths apply the protestant, rebellious for good nature of the film to their own faiths. Conversely, those of eastern religions might see the films as mirrors of buddhism, hinduism, and shinto. The spiritualism of some of these eastern religions appear in Star Wars, such as the spirits of the past who frequently visit Luke to offer him counsel. There is no supreme being in Star Wars. Those who die are melded into the Force, which acts as an energy field guiding and moving through all life.
Those of other races will also view the films differently. Anyone who is a minority might see a dominant oppression that exists in the films as well as in society. Minority racial groups will develop resistant readings of Star Wars:
- One can start in a lowly state and achieve greatness only if that person is a white male. Luke becomes the greatest Jedi master in the galaxy while any minority groups, such as aliens and droids retain their roles as supporters of the hero.
- It is implied that minority groups are unintelligent, misfits of society, and criminals. For example, Jabba’s lair represents the ghettos of the Star Wars world. His lair, prinicipally made up of aliens, is filled with criminals running from the law, prostitutes, and drug dealers. Another example is the signification of the noble savage in the ewoks. These side-role characters are technologically and religiously primitive and their principal purpose in the film is to suppor the main characters.
- In the scheme of power structures, “whiteness” is superior to all other cultures. This is apparent in the differences between the dark side and good side of the force. Sith Lords are always dressed in black. Any scenes set inside the imperial vessels use primarily dark grays while the Rebel vessels are white. This black vs. white evidence is most notable by Darth Vadar. Vadar, who dresses in black, has an African-American voice (James Earl Jones). Only at the end when he becomes “good” and Luke removes his mask, do we see his true appearance as a white male.
Note: It is safe to assume that supposed elements of racism in Star Wars were not deliberate on the part of George Lucas. However, our environment affects what we produce. In this way, the surrounding culture during the 1970′s dominated the dominant ideologies in Star Wars.
2 Comments on “Is Star Wars Racist?”
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Keep in mind that the entire Imperial army is clad in white. Also, Luke Skywalker wears a completely black costume as he assumes his role as the returned “hero” Jedi.
Your assertion that only white males in Star Wars can become great is convincing, but a few counter examples expose the invalidity of the argument and might mix things up a bit (though not much): What about Mon Mothma? What about Princess Leia (it’s obvious in Ep. IV that a woman is in charge)? What about Admiral Ackbar? What about Chewbacca? And, of course, R2-D2? And despite some character flaws, it is Lando (a black man) and his alien sidekick that ultimately destroy the second Death Star, dealing the death blow to the Empire.
It is also important to note that Darth Vader never becomes “good” just as he never was “bad”. With his dying breaths, he says to Luke, “Tell your sister you were right.” Right about what? Earlier in the film Luke had told Vader that he sensed “some good in him.” Thus, Lucas’s vision of the battle between good and evil has much less to do with outward appearance or even which side a person fights for or swears allegiance to. Instead, he asserts that good and evil exist inside ALL creatures.
While it is easy to see Star Wars as a contrast between absolutes (black and white, good and evil, right and wrong), a much more interesting conversation begins when we consider the instances in which Lucas crosses those boundaries and blurs the line between black and white, good and evil. The above paragraphs offer a few such examples. With this in mind, it is easy to see how casting both a black man AND a white man to play Darth Vader was a stroke of genius.
Posted on August 4, 2010 at 6:30 pm.
Further, the crucial character of Yoda has not been discussed at all. He is the purest, most powerful and wise of all the jedi. He is a simple yet powerful sage who plays the key role of helping Luke become what he is destined to become. And Yoda, of course, is an alien. He lives on his own little ghetto planet as a loner. A hermit. A vagabond of sorts. He talks funny, with “messed up” English. And he eats nasty food the white man doesn’t like. Yet, Yoda is the indisputable “bomb,” as it were.
Posted on August 4, 2010 at 7:51 pm.