How to Be a Better Human – Episode 1: The Internet’s First Main Character? | The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks

Intro

In the first episode of “How to Be a Better Human,” titled “The Internet’s First Main Character? | The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks,” host Dylan Maren delves into the captivating story of Jar Jar Binks, one of cinema’s most controversial characters, and the intense backlash he faced. This six-episode series explores the creation of Jar Jar Binks, the internet hate campaign against him, and the lessons we can learn from this experience to avoid making the same mistakes online.

Main Takeaways

The Impact of Star Wars on Fans

• Kurt Volk’s experience camping out for Star Wars Episode 1, the Phantom Menace, allowed him to reconnect with his childhood and curiosity.
• Camping out for the movie created a community of Star Wars fans who got matching tattoos of the Naboo symbol.
• The line for the movie became a novelty attraction, attracting celebrities like Gary Coleman and Weird Al.

The Backlash Against Jar Jar Binks

• Jar Jar Binks drew a strong response from ardent Star Wars fans and casual moviegoers alike, functioning as a Rorschach test.
• The character was socially questionable and stereotypical, but also loved by some.
• The backlash against Jar Jar Binks had profound psychological effects on the actor who played him, Ahmed Best.

The Internet’s Main Character and Online Bullying

• The internet’s main character is often forged out of political moments of friction online.
• The response to this central figure is essentially a form of acceptable bullying.
• The story of Jar Jar Binks illustrates the dehumanization of the internet’s main character.

The Creation and Reception of Jar Jar Binks

• Jar Jar Binks was widely criticized and became the internet’s first main character.
• Early spy reports predicted Jar Jar Binks would make the film more of a kids’ movie than an adult one.
• Fans on centralized internet forums and anonymous spy reports identified Jar Jar as the reason for the movie being a kids’ movie.

Summary

The Impact of Star Wars on Fans

The experience of camping out for Star Wars Episode 1, the Phantom Menace, created a sense of community among fans, leading to shared experiences like getting matching tattoos of the Naboo symbol. The line for the movie became a novelty attraction, drawing attention from celebrities and showcasing the growing influence of geek and fan culture in mainstream society.

The Backlash Against Jar Jar Binks

Jar Jar Binks, a character in Star Wars Episode 1, received intense backlash from fans and moviegoers. While some found him endearing, many criticized him for being socially questionable and stereotypical. This backlash had a profound impact on Ahmed Best, the actor who played Jar Jar Binks, leading to psychological effects and even death threats.

The Internet’s Main Character and Online Bullying

The internet often creates a central figure, forged out of political moments of friction online. This figure becomes the target of acceptable bullying, as seen in the case of Jar Jar Binks. The story of Jar Jar Binks serves as a stark example of how the internet dehumanizes individuals and makes it harder to empathize with each other.

The Creation and Reception of Jar Jar Binks

Jar Jar Binks was introduced in Star Wars Episode 1 as a comedic relief character intended to appeal to children. However, the character received intense criticism for being annoying and ruining the franchise for some fans. Early spy reports and centralized internet forums identified Jar Jar as the reason for the movie being perceived as more of a kids’ movie than an adult one, further fueling the backlash against him.

Conclusion

The story of Jar Jar Binks and the intense backlash he faced highlights the power of the internet to shape narratives and the consequences of online bullying. By exploring this story, “How to Be a Better Human” prompts us to reflect on our own online behavior and strive for empathy and understanding in our interactions.