Ted Talks Daily – Episode 1: The Internet’s First Main Character? | The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks

Intro

In this episode of Ted Talks Daily, titled “The Internet’s First Main Character? | The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks,” the host explores the phenomenon surrounding the character Jar Jar Binks from the Star Wars prequels. The episode delves into the online hate campaign against the character and its impact on the actor who played him, Ahmed Best. It also examines the dehumanization that occurs in online negativity and the implications it has for our current era. Join the host as they discuss the redemption of Jar Jar Binks and the broader issues it raises.

Main Takeaways

The Rise of Geek and Fan Culture

• Geek and fan culture started to become more mainstream in the late 90s/early 2000s.
• The internet played a significant role in making geek and fan culture more accessible to a wider audience.
• Star Wars super fans formed a community while waiting in line for the movie, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

The Backlash Against Jar Jar Binks

• Jar Jar Binks faced the world’s first online hate campaign due to backlash from Star Wars fans.
• The character was seen as socially questionable, stereotypical, and pandering to a child audience.
• The negative response to Jar Jar Binks had profound psychological effects on the actor who played him, Ahmed Best.

Online Negativity and Dehumanization

• Conversations with People Who Hate Me, a podcast, explores the dehumanization that occurs in online negativity.
• People often forget they are interacting with actual humans online, leading to a lack of empathy.
• The concept of the internet’s main character and online pile-ons contribute to acceptable bullying.

The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks

• “The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks” is a six-part series that explores why the character drew such a strong response and how it went viral.
• The response to Jar Jar Binks has implications for our current era and the way we engage online.
• It is important to remember that behind fictional characters like Jar Jar Binks is a real human being, in this case, Ahmed Best.

Summary

The Rise of Geek and Fan Culture

In the late 90s and early 2000s, geek and fan culture started to gain mainstream recognition, largely due to the internet. Star Wars super fans formed a community while waiting in line for “The Phantom Menace,” creating a sense of camaraderie and even getting matching tattoos. The line and the people in it became a novelty attraction, with celebrities like Gary Coleman and Weird Al showing up. This era marked the beginning of a shift towards embracing geek culture on a larger scale.

The Backlash Against Jar Jar Binks

Jar Jar Binks, a character from the Star Wars prequels, faced a severe backlash from fans. He was criticized for being socially questionable, stereotypical, and pandering to a child audience. The negative response to Jar Jar Binks had profound psychological effects on the actor who played him, Ahmed Best. The name “Jar Jar Binks” became a Rorschach test, drawing strong responses from Star Wars fans and casual moviegoers alike.

Online Negativity and Dehumanization

The podcast “Conversations with People Who Hate Me” explores the dehumanization that occurs in online negativity. The host engages in conversations with people who have sent him hate messages, aiming to foster a connection and explore conflict without shaming the other person. These conversations reveal that people often forget they are interacting with actual humans online, leading to a lack of empathy. The concept of the internet’s main character and online pile-ons contribute to acceptable bullying.

The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks

“The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks” is a six-part series that delves into why the character drew such a strong response and how it went viral. The response to Jar Jar Binks has implications for our current era and the way we engage online. It serves as a reminder that behind fictional characters like Jar Jar Binks is a real human being, in this case, Ahmed Best. The series aims to explore the broader issues surrounding the character and shed light on the impact of online hate campaigns.

Conclusion

The episode “The Internet’s First Main Character? | The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks” of Ted Talks Daily examines the backlash against the character Jar Jar Binks and its impact on the actor who played him. It also delves into the dehumanization that occurs in online negativity and the broader implications it has for our current era. The episode serves as a reminder to approach online interactions with empathy and to remember that behind fictional characters are real human beings. Join the host as they navigate the complexities of online hate campaigns and the redemption of Jar Jar Binks.