Friends, I have a confession to make. I am a bad nerd. In fact, to many of you, I am probably the worst kind of nerd. You see, I’m not a Star Wars fan.
I thought I was. I really really really wanted to be. But then I watched the trailer for the upcoming movie, and quite aside from needing someone to walk me through the thing step by step, there was a big problem. I felt nothing.
Let me repeat that. Nothing. In the face of one of the most beloved franchises in all of nerddom, I was completely devoid of emotion. And I’ve cried over chicken wings. That’s it, my nerd shame laid bare. I am a bad nerd.
It’s not like I hate Star Wars. There’s a lot I like about the movies, and it’s a cultural powerhouse that makes instant comrades of people across barriers of every type. I just don’t feel at home calling myself a fan. Do I love the idea of jetpack wearing mercenaries, space wizards, interstellar travel, and ridiculously uncomfortable gold bikinis? You bet your ass I do. If I were inclined to write erotic fanfiction, every single one of those things would make an appearance, and I love the fact that there’s a place where they all exist together. I’m just deeply ambivalent to the minutia of the universe. Plus, the way that hardcore fans seem to abhor George Lucas squicks me out. I just don’t like the idea of hating the person who created one of the most beloved things in the nerdverse.
Never mind, this universe doesn’t even NEED erotic fan fiction. (Pro Tip: don’t google that, it’ll burn your retinas out)
After spending my entire adult life trying to slog through six movies only to find out there are about a zillion books, comics, and an extensive video game universe, I give up. I will watch the movies at least one more time – I do have a child to raise properly after all, and I’ll probably end up being dragged to see the new film when it comes out, but I will never be a true Star Wars fan. Sorry, nerds. This is the way it has to be.
P.S. I think Jar Jar is adorable and funny. Please do not kill me, maybe I just have bad taste.
Don’t feel bad about not feeling anything towards the new trailer; I’m a fan of the series and felt the same. Mainly because it’s all information we knew before. Han Solo has gray hair now. Anyone whose seen The Fugitive has known that for over 20 years. Why is that wonderful? But I’m sure once I see the film, and delve into the new storyline, I’ll be won over.