Now one might be tempted to say, oh well, that was just a product of a by gone era. Whereas in the more the equality focused (or, I would say obsessed) era of today, representation of minorities is the way to go. But is it really though? Let’s go back to George Lucas. The visionary brainchild of Star Wars. 

The man who created it all. Who is European (or European American). Hence, one can argue that it is only natural that a person of his heritage develop characters that correspond to his history, heritage and personhood. Think about it. How would it seem, if a person from Sub Saharan Africa-or someone originally from that part of the world-proceeded to write a series of fantasy books, that resonated with him as a person. But the story happened to be populated primarily by Indians! Ridiculous right.

Given that George Lucas’s two main trilogy of films featured protagonists who were male and European (ethnically speaking), is not so much a product of, I don’t know, “a less inclusive” era, or a mind that has not “woken” upto the ideologically motivated aims of the times. Rather his works are stories which corresponded to him as a person. Mr. Lucas is a Straight man of European (British and Central European) ancestry, who is married with children. So when it came to his art forms, it’s only logical that the characters and concepts he conceives, come to manifest or resonate with realities which define him as a person. A point that is evident in his movies.

Since George Lucas’s knew who he was as a person, and was not afraid (or ashamed) of it. He was able to translate that lived experience into his work. Star Was under George Lucas wasn’t messing around. The man wanted to make good movies. Ground breaking movies. (Which the Prequels, were, despite their many flaws). Which meant he had little time for the politics of the day. 

So whatever the hell that was going on in popular culture: the political tilt of celebrities, the popularity (or notoriety) of certain beliefs, and the social urges of certain groups etc. Had no bearing on Mr. Lucas’s creative endeavors. As a story teller with new ideas, with the desire to actualize them via new applications, he simply could not be bothered about the zeitgeist of the day. Which meant that the final product was untainted by the 101 topics, debates, urges and agitations that animate the worldviews, and specifically (and the often distasteful) politics that drive those who inhabit planet Earth. Rather than a “Galaxy Far Far away”.

Following the acquisition of Lucas Film by Disney, things started to change. For when it was announced (via a trailer) that the new Star Wars trilogy was to have a female lead, an African American (English) supporting character; and Hispanic/Latin character in another supporting role. I was not thrilled. Though at one level, I wasn’t really surprised. Given the trajectory that movies, TV and other media had been taking in recent years. As for Kylo Ren, the man in the proverbial iron mask, and apparent villain of the tale. Well, the less that is said about him better. Essentially, I found the new look cast.. How can I say, less than ideal. Unsurprisingly, so were the movies that followed. With the exception of Daisy Ridley.

So why didn’t I like this new level of “diversity” on screen? Well it is not because I have a problem with women and non-Europeans playing prominent roles. Or with them as people. (A banal point. But given the politics of today, it is worth stating). The problem for me was deviation from a certain norm. Or better, the apparent move away from tradition. One that seem to be embraced wholesale by Disney Star Wars. More seriously, what concerns me (going back to TFA), is what this shift would portend for Star Wars as a whole. Not to give myself too much credit as a prognosticator, but my concerns with TFA, and what it could portend for the future of the franchise, was realized in the TLJ. Though not to the subversive extent of the final product.

The Last Jedi essentially doubles down on its commitment to the diversity bandwagon. For in addition to the three main (diverse) characters, (on the basis that Rey is female, and the protagonist). We are now introduced to Rose Tico, DJ and Holdo. I am ignoring the masked/costumed characters. For as far I am concerned, it doesn’t matter who the hell is playing them, as long as they are permanently sealed under the hood. Rose’s character, besides being female, she is also non-European (East Asian). I guess the rationale for this-in addition to increasing the diversity level of the franchise-would have been the increasingly popular Chinese market for Hollywood movies. Where the thinking was, having an East Asian-looking character on screen would help resonate with local audiences. Could.

Then we have DJ (the code breaker). Who is Puerto Rican (i.e. not exactly European). And Holdo, the Jurassic Park lady, who is European. But has been given quite the makeover. Whose natural blonde hair is shaded off with an obnoxious purple, topped off with a weird (even by Star Wars standards, and the context) dress. In sum, she is made to look terrible. Besides the standout diversity elements (I mean people), the film in terms of rank and file side cast, is also filled with diverse characters. Ethnically and sex wise, there are noticeably more non-Europeans and females.  

Now look, having a good combination of actors from various backgrounds (ethnic or otherwise) is fine. But there seems to be something quite artificial, and unpleasantly purposeful about Disney Star Wars foray into this arena. And The Last Jedi is pretty much a standout in this regard. For problematically, these diversity elements, do not necessarily make the movie better. They just make it more diverse. As if that, in itself has become a worthwhile pursuit for the producers. Further still, there is the question, one that follows logically based on this ideological tilt, is how much diversity is enough? 

Interestingly enough, just today (before writing this segment of the essay), I encountered an article online. Where the actor, John Boyega, who plays Finn, speaks about his experience on set. Where he makes the observation of how minority (i.e. non-European) actors like himself, were-according to him-sidelined (5). Boyega’s comments come in the aftermath of the Rise of Skywalker. 

Where his character is apparently given less screen time. Be that as it may, from what I have seen of the trailer, there is a new minority character in the film. What is ironic here, is that such observations are even being made in the first place. Going back to the earlier point about the increasing presence of non-European actors in (Anglo-American) movies. Which is a development in itself. (In case people miss the obvious, we are not talking not about the Nigerian film industry here). But despite these woke developments in recent years, people are already complaining about “diverse” characters not getting enough screen time!

Taking a step back, the question has to be asked: what exactly do audiences stand to gain by having more diversity on screen. Which in the year 2020 primarily means having more non-Europeans on screen. What exactly do audiences gain by going into films that ticks all the diversity/inclusivity tick boxes, but when combined with quality of other criterion (story, plot, character, novelty) the final products turns out to be s**t? 

What does this kind of forced-diversity (caz it doesn’t seem like the public at large is asking for this) accomplish? Besides scoring more diversity points? Is this even an outcome that is worth pursuing? Akin to the rise in “we need to have more strong female characters”, what do these changes actually accomplish from an artistic standpoint? And is there an endpoint to such movements.

There is one outcome, a problematic one, that results from the embrace of ethnic diversity, as an ideological aim, in film and art in general. Akin to the growing influence of feminism in movies and pop culture, it is one that works to the detriment of the artistic experience. [Case in point: the new Charlie’s Angels movie (2019)]. For given everything else that is wrong with the TLJ: from the convoluted plot, lame story, lack of character development, uninteresting villains etc. 

These diversity elements only work to distract the producers from the problematic facets of the movie. For more diversity on screen does not lead to a greater quality of the final product. As more energy, resources and focus is directed towards advancing this agenda, one that would naturally weaken the resolve for better story telling and quality of the final product. In sum, there’s something about the whole diversity agenda, that seems, well, agenda driven. And its effects seem, invariably corrosive.