Session 4 Media Analysis
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Session 4 Media Analysis
Jessica Bowen
Colorado Christian University
PHL-205A World Views
Professor David Mau
07/14/2023
Episode IV of Session 4's Media Analysis Fresh Hope The first Star Wars movie is a timeless tale of good versus evil.
The Empire is a symbol of evil since it seeks to rule the entire universe, whereas the rebellion stands for good because it wishes to bring about world peace. This film offers us a glimpse into the potential future of our worldviews. The worldviews in this movie, however, demonstrate that worldviews don't alter over time. I identified three worldviews: Marxism, Pantheism, and Postmodernism. I, therefore, intend to provide an overview of the type of worldview that is represented, how it has impacted our worldview and its main goal.
A smaller cargo ship is being pursued by what appears to be a large star destroyer in the opening sequences. We first meet Darth Vader, a human cyborg, when the star destroyer seizes the cargo ship and boards it. Darth Vader is portrayed in the movie as the Empire and a symbol of evil. Then Princess Lea, the leader of the rebel alliance and clothed in white, appears. The C3PO and R2D2 droids appear to be symbols of cutting-edge technology. As the movie goes on, we get to know Luke Skywalker and his uncle, who are farmers and stand in for the average person. Following that is Obi-Wan Kenobi. He appears to be Luke's link between his present life and the Force.
The initial viewpoint seems to be oppressive and almost Marxist, as Myers (2017) said that "Marxism and oppression go together like "peanut" and "butter." Marxism, by definition, calls for a fundamental transformation of society (p. 109). We observe the Empire attempting to subjugate or even obliterate anybody who stands in their way. The Empire is extremely similar to
our government today in that both seek ultimate control over everything and appear to be willing to do whatever it takes to get it. The Empire operates similarly. The Empire and our government both desire to rule in a socialist manner.
They seek to replace the opposition with their power in addition to destroying the opposition.
According to Myers (2017), socialism often tends to eliminate competition and replace it with cronyism instead of accomplishing its declared goal of eradicating class inequalities. (p. 109). Both are unconcerned with how their objectives are met as long as they are met.
Darth Vader, who stands in for the Empire, holds a pantheistic and Marxist worldview. Princess Lea tries to convince Vader that she was on a diplomatic mission to Alderaan after being captured (Kurtz & Lucas, 0:08:00). Without any discussion, Vader labels her a traitor and a member of the rebel alliance before removing her (Kurtz & Lucas, 0:08:04). This is a classic Marxist strategy because Vader denied any kind of free discussion and it appears that there is no moral standard. To get the result he wanted, he even used torture. Vader doesn't take kindly to criticism and has a "my way or the highway" mentality. Due to their shared Pantheistic beliefs, all of the Jedi, even Darth Vader, are unique. Vader accepts the existence of the Force, but he accepts the existence of the "dark side" of the Force. Marxists "reconciled themselves with evil because they believed it served an ultimate good," according to Myers (2017), describing Vader's
dark side (p. 107). Because of the dark side, Vader feels that he has more influence over the universe and that doing so serves the highest good.
Obi-Wan Luke seems to be able to get from where he is to where he wants to be thanks to Kenobi. Luke is introduced to the Jedi Knight and the Force by Obi-Wan. Before the dark ages of the Empire, Obi-Wan portrays the Jedi as defenders of righteousness and peace (Kurtz & Lucas, 0:34:05). When Luke next inquires as to what the Force is, Obi-Wan replies, "The Force is what gives the Jedi his strength. It is an energy field that all living things have produced. It penetrates us, envelops us, and connects the entire galaxy. Lucas and Kurtz, 0:34:42. Everyone who watched Star Wars was introduced to the Pantheistic worldview by Obi-Wan's discussion of
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the Force. Pantheism derives from the Greek words "Pan" (which means "all") and "theos," which means "God." Pantheists contend that "everything is God" (Myers, 2017, p. 137). According to pantheism, everything in the universe is infused with cosmic energy that is known as "The Force" in the Star Wars universe. Because people who use the Force become aware of its
strength, experiencing something akin to enlightenment. The Force enables one to behave instinctively while also achieving spiritual oneness (Kurtz & Lucas, 1:01:43). Obi-Wan reminds Luke to keep in mind that a Jedi can feel the Force flowing through him when he first begins to use the Force (Kurtz & Lucas, 1:00:55), demonstrating the impersonal nature of the Force. Luke hears a voice in his head telling him to "trust your feelings" toward the conclusion of the movie from Obi-Wan, whom Darth Vader had killed (Kurtz & Lucas, 1:47:41). demonstrating to Luke that Obi-Wan has attained enlightenment by speaking to him and Luke activating the Force by hearing him.
Han Solo offers us another way of looking at the world. As described by Myers (2017) on page 154, Han Solo has a postmodern worldview and sense of self that is "skeptical, founded as a reaction to modernism, suspicious of metanarratives, and teaches that ultimate reality is inaccessible, knowledge is a social construct, and truth-claims are political power plays." Han says, "I've never seen anything to make me believe there's one all-powerful force controlling everything" when Luke asks him if he believes in the Force (Kurtz & Lucas, 1:01:22). Han Solo is all about himself and is skeptical of anything otherworldly. He only believes in that which he can see and control. This is made clear when Luke decides to save Princess Lea while aboard the
Death Star. Han refuses to get involved until Luke states, "She's Rich," Han answers, "Rich?" She is "Rich powerful," says Luke. The payoff would be more wealth than you can fathom if you
were to save her, according to Kurtz and Lucas (1:11:50). Han has an intriguing quality as well.
He portrays himself as being unconcerned with everything, especially being heroic. After receiving a large sum of money, Hans bids Luke farewell and maintains his lack of allegiance. Luke attempts to persuade.
When Han declines to assist, Luke explains, "Well, Han, take care of yourself. I suppose you're best at it, then (Kurtz & Lucas, 1:42:13). Han accepts the money and flees, but it looks that the rebels' higher moral standards cause Han to be persuaded to rejoin the battle. At the very last second, Han reappears, revealing his true nature. Han arrives and destroys the Tie fighters, including Vader, demonstrating that he was ready to risk his life for the benefit of the galaxy while Luke attempts to launch two missiles to destroy the Death Star.
The main idea is mostly pantheistic in nature. What happens to us once we pass away is one of the important questions that we all have. Once more, Pantheism, in which humans experience an infinite cycle of rebirth until we reach enlightenment, is reflected in Star Wars. In Star Wars, the dead are absorbed into the Force, according to Zukeran (2005). The Jedi can postpone this absorption, and they can then manifest as spirit guides to help people in the real world. Ascended
masters can be reached through communication by those with unique understanding. This film also demonstrates how adhering to the Force will lead to "The Good Life."
You can only comprehend the workings of the universe and merge with it through the might of the Force. You will have complete power over both yourself and the environment around you once you learn to use the Force.
In Star Wars, finding the truth and attaining Nirvana are the goals of existence. The media actively works to denigrate Christianity and anything else that upholds moral principles because it teaches us to perceive the world as being all about us. It gives off the impression that anything goes psychologically. Do it if it feels nice. Nearly all of the information we receive from the media contradicts our Christian worldview, which holds that every person, regardless of
background, color, or nation of origin, was made in the image of God. The Holy Spirit is our "Force" as Christians, yet He isn't an impersonal force. He is involved in what we do every day. To proclaim the cross and spread the gospel is what we are here to do. According to Galatians 2:20, we no longer live for ourselves or our emotions.
"I died on the cross with Christ. Christ now lives in me; it is no longer I who is alive. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, 2001 states, "And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
References
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Kurtz, G. (Producer), & Lucas, G. (Director). (1977). Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope [Motion Picture]. United States: 20th Century Fox. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2001). Crossway. Zukeran, P. (2005). The worldview of Star Wars - Probe Ministries. Retrieved October 30, 2021, from https://www.probe.org/the-worldview-of-star-wars