"Star Weird"

With the opening day of the final prequal to the original Start Wars trilogy upon us, I figured that it would be necessary to comment on some glaring details of what happens when a movie like this is released. But first, let's comment on what I feel is a healthy star wars fan, a nerdy one, and an unhealthy one.

Common Characteristics of a Healthy Star Wars Fan:

1. Grew up playing with Star Wars action figures and watching the original trilogy.
2. Possibly keeps old Star Wars toys in attic for nostalgia.
3. Has seen all the latest movies, and understands the story line and theme.
4. Still enjoys watching Star Wars.
5. Probably lives on their own, has a girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/husband, and a decent job.

Common Characteristics of a Nerdy Star Wars Fan:

1. Grew up playing with Star Wars action figures and watching the original trilogy.
2. Knows the names of all of the star wars characters, and detailed biographical information on most of them.
3. Collects Star Wars action figures as an ongoing hobby.
4. Has read every book every related to Star Wars and knows details beyond the scope of the movie themes.
5. May or may not live on their own and may or may not have a girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/husband, and a decent job.

Common Characteristics of an Unhealthy Star Wars Fan:

1. Grew up playing with Star Wars action figures and watching the original trilogy.
2. Collects and plays with Star Wars action figures reguarly as an adult.
3. Goes to every opening day showing of a Star Wars movie dressed up as a wookie or other Star Wars character.
4. Camps out in a tent in line to get tickets weeks in advance of them going on sale.
5. Has no job, or at least uses paychecks to finance his/her "active star wars" lifestyle
6. Most likely still lives with their parents with no girlfriend/boyfriend/husband/wife out of a room that still has original Star Wars posters adorning the walls.
7. Actively pursues the "Force" and believes that they possess this power.
8. Has legally changed their name to that of a Star Wars character.


So as you can see, these are how I classify the Star Wars fans of our day. What gets me is how the Media loves to highlight the "unhealthy" among us and create a common image of a Star Wars fan as someone with no life or no grip on reality. I can definitely vouch for those of us who are NOT crazy lunatics. I like Star Wars, but I don't think I'll be dressing up as a Wookie any time soon.