Why the Term `JEDI´ Is Problematic for Describing Programs That Promote
https://www.scientificamerican.com/ar...
Excerpts from the complete URL for the Opinion:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-the-term-jedi-is-problematic-for-describing-programs-that-promote-justice-equity-diversity-and-inclusion/
"The Jedi are inappropriate mascots for social justice. Although
they´re ostensibly heroes within the Star Wars universe, the Jedi
are inappropriate symbols for justice work. They are a religious
order of intergalactic police-monks, prone to (white) saviorism
and toxically masculine approaches to conflict resolution
(violent duels with phallic lightsabers, gaslighting by means of
"Jedi mind tricks," etc.). The Jedi are also an exclusionary
cult, membership to which is partly predicated on the possession
of heightened psychic and physical abilities (or
"Force-sensitivity"). Strikingly, Force-wielding talents are
narratively explained in Star Wars not merely in spiritual terms
but also in ableist and eugenic ones: These supernatural powers
are naturalized as biological, hereditary attributes. So it is
that Force potential is framed as a dynastic property of noble
bloodlines (for example, the Skywalker dynasty), and Force
disparities are rendered innate physical properties, measurable
via "midi-chlorian" counts (not unlike a "Force genetics" test)
and augmentable via human(oid) engineering. The heroic Jedi are
thus emblems for a host of dangerously reactionary values and
assumptions."
After that hate filled rant, the writers include a
hint of common sense:
"JEDI connects justice initiatives to corporate capital. JEDI/Jedi is more than just a name: It´s a product. Circulating that
product´s name can promote and benefit the corporation that owns
it, even if we do not mean to do so. We are, in effect, providing
that corporation-Disney-with a form of free advertising,
commodifying and cheapening our justice work in the process."
It's a brand name! But the authors "justice work" is already a
cheap and commodified product of corporate capital, and
their "racial hatred against whites is always justified"
mentality is plain sadistic and is intended to politically
sterilize whites and prevent them from criticizing Capital.