Star Wars: children’s franchise or adult’s trip down nostalgia road?
Perhaps there has never been a more intergenerationally beloved consumer product in human history! Children of the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s and now the 2010’s all love and grew up with new Star Wars movies.
That’s special, whether you’re a fan or not.
But this article isn’t meant to be a reflection of Star Wars’ contribution to society-at-large…
Rather, it’s meant to look at the galaxy far, far away’s contribution to your childrens’ lives. This is an exploration of what your children will learn by watching Star Wars.
(NOTE: It should go without saying, but there are major spoilers ahead.)
Lesson 1: Choose good mentors.
Luke Skywalker had Obi-Wan. Obi-wan had Yoda. Rey had Luke.
Star Wars heroes are heroes largely because of how their mentors guided them.
It’s been said that “you are who you surround yourself with.” If that is so, Star Wars teaches children they can become their best selves when they choose good mentors.
Lesson 2: You have the ability to choose — and so does everyone else.
In the first Star Wars movie, Luke has big dreams. He wants to explore the galaxy and see other worlds! That’s when his soon-to-be mentor Obi-Wan enters the picture, offering Luke what he’s always wanted: a grand and glorious adventure! A chance to save the galaxy.
So what does Luke say to this serendipitous offer?
No.
Wait a moment… Isn’t this Luke’s dream? To travel the galaxy? Be a hero? Why would he say no?
The first reason is that Luke has his freedom to choose. Even though he says it’s his dream, he can still reject the offer. The other reason is that while it’s Luke's dream to leave Tatooine, he’s never been presented with real stakes - a compelling “why” for leaving. But that all changed when the Empire killed his family! That’s what got Luke motivated to take action.
The lesson here is that we all have the freedom to make choices. And often, even if people say it’s what they want, they may not make the choice to chase their dreams until they’re shown what’s at stake.
Lesson 3: People can change.
In Episode 3, Revenge of the Sith, it seems that Anakin has fully dissented to the darkside. His sinister deeds in the Jedi Temples and even against his master leave no room left for light in his heart. And when his son Luke becomes involved in the story, Anakin’s dissention continues… he has fully transformed into Darth Vader and is bent on destroying anyone in the galaxy who threatens his power.
But then, in Episodes 5 & 6, after it’s been revealed that Darth Vader is in fact Anakin Skywalker, Luke’s father, we begin to see a glimpse of hope. We begin to believe that maybe, just maybe, he’ll turn back to the light.
And wouldn’t you know it, he does. He saves Luke from the Emperor and leaves the Darkside behind him.
By watching Star Wars, your children will learn that people can change.
Lesson 4: Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.
People love stories, but we crave characters! The strengths and weaknesses of our favorite movie characters help us see a little glimpse of ourselves. Seeing those character strengths and weaknesses in Star Wars can also teach children about the diversity of talent in real-life human beings.
They’ll see how the diversity of talents in these characters, and people in life, compliment each other.
In Episode 4, where Luke is passionate about saving the galaxy and learning the force, Han Solo barely believes in the force and seems more intent on fighting with his own strength.
In Episode 9, Rey uses the force to heal a giant monster while Poe uses his leadership to rally the Resistance.
All these character’s strengths are different, and all are needed.
May the force be with you
Perhaps the most important lesson here is that you can learn a lesson from every experience and media outlet you encounter….
Whether you’re learning a simple fact, or learning what to do vs. what not to do in life, you and your children can find insightful lessons everywhere. If only you look for them.
May the force be with you.
