Right before The Force Awakens was unleashed into movie theatres, Bustle produced this video. Essentially, it’s directed to males who do the whole “fake geek girl” card. To tell you the truth, when Star Wars is back on the scene again, EVERYONE is a Star Wars fan. You can’t deny that Star Wars is a pop cultural phenomenon. I’ve had teachers in high school that would relate themes to philosophy and different forms of religion. The theme song and John Williams score is so iconic. Everyone knows how Leia, Chewy, Luke, R2D2, etc. While the Bustle video illustrates how fanboys should behave, oftentimes we forget that (nonfan) girls can be as vicious too.
In response, I wrote my top 5 on what (nonfan / basic) girls should not say to female Star Wars fans. We get it. Star Wars is trendy now, but a few things to keep in mind. These were some examples from my middle school days:
1. You’re into Star Wars? Why can’t you be normal?!
Typically said on any day wherein Star Wars is not the trendiest thing. Star Wars has themes and life lessons that are very much universal. For some people, Star Wars is a religion of its own. For others, it’s been used as a teaching tool whether if it’s story telling or showing examples of how spirituality is expressed. So, if you think liking and enjoying Star Wars is not normal, you’re most likely boring.
2. Which of the boys is your Luke Skywalker? Do you really have a crush on Mark?! Is he your Luke? We want gossip and now!
A direct quote from middle school when the popular girls were trying to figure out if I even had a sexuality or had any interest in the opposite sex. Well, I’d like to tell you I have a thing for Harrison Ford, but that would lead you into judging me for being into silver foxes. Either way, just because someone is into a quirky fan community that often times has a reputation for 40 year old virgins, does not give you any right to impede on their personal business.
And don’t get me started on the politics of Jabba’s slave bikini. (Does he have some in-house desinger droid?)
3. Why do you read these books? Why aren’t you reading Seventeen?
Because heavens forbid women start reading. Rumor has it is that when a woman reads, she gets ideas and starts thinking! I was always last to be picked on the team during PE. I much rather ditch PE to sneak into the library and read more of Timohthy Zahn and Kevin J. Anderson’s contributions to the Star Wars universe than to be reading articles on how to make oneself shallow. At least that’s how most teen magazines were back in the late 90s.
4. We know that Marcus likes Star Wars and he’s has this depression thing like you do. You two would be perfect for each other! Why don’t you ask him out after school?
Hi Marcus, if you’re reading this, I’m putting you on the spot. Hope to see you at the next local con! It’s one thing for two people to enjoy the same thing. It’s another thing to build a romantic relationship based on common fandom-y related interests alone. Forcing people to date that may not be ready for a much more mature relationship than that of friendship is totally wrong. Let the two people work out their issues before pursuing deeper commitments. Certainly two people can be friends, but it’s not up to us to tell who they can or cannot date based on common interests and mental struggles.
5. I just saw the special edition last weekend. It’s on the cover of every trendy magazine. So I like Star Wars now. Can we be besties?
How about “no?” If you were being a jerk from the get go, what makes me want to be pursue any kind of friendship with someone who is capable of being salty towards others? Better to be alone than with the wrong people, or find your niche within usenet groups and comic book stores.