To the Star Wars Generation

The following essay is to recast our generation, and shed a light on what may accomplish when the mantle of leadership in our country is passed over to us.

To the Star Wars Generation:

The lack of creativity and original though in contemporary America has embedded itself in the generic name for those of my generation – “Generation X”. We were, of course awarded this nondescript title by our predecessors, the “baby-boomers” and their predecessor, the WWII generation, who seemingly fail to connect with us, and cannot identify what has shaped our formative years. I would like to propose a new title for our generation, one which more closely defines who we are. From here forth, we shall be called “The Star Wars Generation.”
The Star Wars Generation represents those of us born between the early 1960s and the late 1970s (let’s say 1963-1976, though I needn’t be exact). As the first installment of the Stars Wars saga appeared in 1977, it was a driving force in the entertainment, philosophy, and dreams of our childhood and adolescence.

The Star Wars films tell of Luke Skywalker, the young hero, and the epitome of our generation. The sinister Darth Vader and oppressive Emperor represent those Baby Boomers and the institutions we have rejected. Obi-Wan Kenobi, and old war hero and wise sage, perhaps characterizes the WWII generation, our grandparents, and our connection with past glory.

Luke’s father, Anakin, the baby-boomer, once set out on a path of good, and many believed he would bring greatness to the galaxy. Instead, somewhere he lost his path, and joined the dark side as Darth Vader, much as somewhere, somehow, America lost its way.
It is Luke and his comrades, Han Solo and Princess Leia, which tell the tale of the Star Wars Generation. Luke is a young man with many dreams, possessing immense talent to make the galaxy great again. He detests his work on a farm, toiling away with no end in sight, and longs for the future, and adventure. Han Solo is a carefree drifter, seemingly selfish, but one with loyalty to his friends (i.e. Luke), and one who will protect those he love (i.e. Leia). The Princess brings a little of both Luke and Han; she is idealistic and rebellious, and while somewhat egoistical, cares deeply for her friends and for the cause.

These characters are the representation of our generation; this tale is our tale. We are an idealistic, dreamy generation. We have been characterized as lazy and selfish, and do lose focus on the present in search of future adventure, yet we never fail to help a friend or fight for justice. We are caring lovers who trust in the good side of the force. Like the characters, we have grown as the story progresses: like Luke we are more patient, more focused on the here and now; like Han we have become respectable scoundrels; like Leia we have begun to trust each other.

Star Wars has had a deep impact on our lives. Star Wars tells of the struggle of Good versus Evil; the sense of a higher calling is also reflected in our generation. The influence of the film on the entertainment industry has been well document, but the seepage of Star Wars into our ethos will have a far more lasting effect.

The baby-boomers are still at the helm, some like the last of the Sith, repenting, some having fallen to the dark side forever. Having said to us “Luke, I am your father”, they will leave in our hands the fate of the universe. The path of good Anakin once tread has been buried by the betrayal of Vader, yet for us, the new generation of Jedi, a chance to make our country and our world a better place still exists. Our idealism, our willingness to dream, our desire to rebel against wrong and fight the good fight, our faith in our friends, and our trust in each other will serve us well in our epic saga.

Good Luck, and may the Force be with you.