This is a soapbox with the Star Wars fandom as the theme. Honestly, this can easily apply to any other fandom (i.e. Marvel, DC, Star Trek, Doctor Who, etc). Do not let the Mike Zeroh’s and Star Wars Theory’s influence the kind of fan you are. Be Your Own Fan! The guys at Rebel Force Radio said that on one of their podcasts a couple of weeks ago and it really resonates with me.
I saw a meme once that said (I’m paraphrasing) Star Wars is like a new restaurant, you don’t have to like everything on the menu. I want to expand on that and add that you shouldn’t insult the things that people do like. My eight-year-old can understand that concept so an adult shouldn’t have any problem with it. Personally, Star Wars is like Portillo’s, I love everything on the menu.
You Don’t Have to Like It All
If you don’t like the prequels, that’s fine. If you don’t like the sequels, that’s also fine. It doesn’t matter if you love the Mandalorian and hate Andor, be your own fan. The worst kind of fan you can be is telling other people the kind of fan they should be. It’s OK to have different opinions and like different things. It is NOT OK to bully someone or gaslight them into siding with you.
If you want to have a civil discussion about your critiques with Kenobi, The Last Jedi, or The Book of Boba Fett, I’ll listen. I’ll most likely defend why I enjoy them. However, the moment the conversation turns vitriolic and offensive, I’m done listening and the conversation is over.
This is a microcosm of the current social and political climate. It’s OK to disagree and believe different things. The essential element is respect. Respect other people’s opinions and beliefs, even if they differ vastly from yours.
