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Reflections on the Force: “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and Hope

I know: we are all super excited to have the holiday weekend come to an end and return to our everyday activities of work, school, and whatever else we find to be productive. We think that if we can accomplish the task(s) that our teachers/professors/boss(es)/supervisor(s) set up for us, that we will be able to find some meaning. For some, their is meaning in that, and of course it is 100% important to follow their instructions/guidlines (you, assumingly, want to be employed and/or get that degree you are working for), but should that be what you are striving towards? Should this be your ultimate goal?

I know what your thinking: he mentions “the Force” and the awesome new movie Star Wars movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. When are we gonna get to Jyn Erso, Director Krennic and Scarif?! Do not worry, it will all tie in.

Yesterday, I came back from seeing Rogue One: A Star Wars Story for the third time (in RPX 2D), and I find myself still loving this movie, the characters, and the story. I wanted more Donnie Yen, more of the third act and more of the last 2 minutes of the film. I think everyone here can agree it was awesome. However, critics have to look at the film from a particular lens and see how s/he feels about the movie. When I see a movie, I look and see what I can take away from it, very much in the same way that scholars look at text, debate the text from various aspects and see what can be learned. For me, Rogue One is not just a very cool movie, it is a movie that deals with a lot of issues we are grappling with as a society today. Let us discuss one of them.

In the film, we are shown that the feeling of fear and the use of fear is a tool for the Empire to rule the galaxy. For the Rebellion, they do not even know at this time how they feel or how to respond to the Death Star.  They are somewhat split between breaking the Alliance and taking the Empire head on. However, it is Jyn Erso, taking Cassian’s words, to remind the Alliance (and us) that “rebellions are built on hope.” However, we can only get to and achieve that hope in the actions that we take.

Of the many emotions we feel going into 2017, we are all feeling a little anxious. But, just like in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the banner of “hope” is raised against the tyranny of fear, because there is no other choice. We must, as Jyn says, take the next chance, and the next, until all the chances are spent. We, in our own way, must raise our own “banners of hope” and never stop taking a chance. Feeling anxious about a situation/activity at work or school and your not sure how it will turn out? Put your best foot forward and believe in yourself. Afraid how someone will react when you tell them something important about yourself or who you are? Do not be afraid, because if you are afraid to tell your friends and family whatever it is, it begs the questions if you are being honest with yourself. It also reminds me of the words of Master Yoda: “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”

No matter what it is that scares remember, just like in Rogue One, you have hope. You always have hope. And you are never alone.

May 2017 only bring good news to everyone and may the Force be with you.

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