Star Wars and popular culture

Star Wars

The Failures of Anakin Skywalker

There are many cases of fictional situations actually embodying the theoretical and philosophical elements of real religious beliefs. This is the case within the "Star Wars" series, directed by George Lucas. Within this fictional world of far away, there are elements of both Classical and Eastern philosophical beliefs. "The Force," is the underlying force governing all things both good and bad resembles the Eastern tradition of the Tao, which literally translates into "the way," (Tzu, 1993). However, one of the major characters within the epic tale fails to uphold the traditions of Tao, and at the same time goes against traditional Hindu and Socratic teachings. Through Anakin's rejection of "The Force," he rejects traditional philosophical values of humility and loyalty, despite any punishment he may have incurred for his actions.

Anakin Skywalker becomes a Jedi Knight within the second trilogy of George Lucas' "Star Wars." It is within this position that he is tempted by the Dark Side and looses his positive grip on "The Force." However, this transformation was not wholly based on his temptation alone. One of the major reasons he followed the Sith Lord was in fear of punishment and dishonor for what he had helped do to a fellow Jedi. When the Sith Lord was captured, Anakin tried his best to keep him alive for an honorable trial. However, when this was obviously not possible, things got ugly and Anakin found himself an accomplice to a Jedi murder. Fearing punishment from the council, as well as his own beliefs that he would in no way be forgiven for his actions, Anakin decided to finally give in to the temptation presented to him by the Sith Lord and pledged his allegiance to the Dark Side. This transfer, however, was not completely voluntary; but rather out of self preservation and to save himself and his new family from embarrassments, he left his traditional Jedi ways to pursue a life of darker intentions.

This ideology that "The Force" has both good and evil within it is very typical of the ancient Eastern tradition of Tao. This real philosophy concerns itself with the true nature and order of the world and everyone in it. It is beyond our control, and yet it controls us. Also within the Tao is the concept of the Yin and the Yang, or the to powerful counteracting forces which keep balance within the Universe, (Tzu, 1993). Although not explicitly good and evil, these two forces are opposite in their origins. This shows that the world cannot exist without the concept of evil, or a darker force, which actually balances out the more beneficial force. This was the same for the concept of "The Force" within the "Star Wars" series. However, Anakin broke the tradition of Tao when he crossed over to the Dark Side. He was part of the force which kept balance in the Universe. When he decided to leave his position of balance and move over into the Dark Side, he actually threatened the delicate balance of the concept of the Ying and the Yang. All who were involved with the Dark Side aimed at the total destruction of the Jedi Council. However, the Jedis understood that they could not exist without a balance within the Dark Side and never wanted to completely destroy their counterparts, but rather keep them in chec as to not disturb the delicate balance of the Universe. By ignoring thousands of