Luke Skywalker is out of room in the Death Star trench. TIE fighters have closed in, led by the inexorable Darth Vader.
Suddenly with a shout, Han Solo swoops in from behind in the Millennium Falcon! He opens fire … and accidentally blasts the young Jedi into smithereens.
“Oops.”
No, this is not a new George Lucas special edition (thank goodness). But it is a reminder to be sure of what you’re shooting at – something that a number of Star Wars followers disregarded when they review-bombed the wrong production.
For those who aren’t steeped in the latest news and controversies from a galaxy far, far away, there’s a new Star Wars series out (of course) called “The Acolyte.” It’s built as a mystery-thriller, set among the Jedi about a century before any of the movies take place … so, no Anakin, no Kenobi, no direct tie into any of the familiar plotlines.
As with anything new, some love it, and some don’t. And, as usual these days, some of the ones who hate it REALLY hate it, to the point of “review-bombing” it online – piling up bad reviews and ratings to make it seem less popular. So far, no surprise, except … a number of the bombers missed the series entirely and instead down-rated “Acolytes,” a 2008 Australian horror film.
That’s a Death Star-sized miss. But then, intensity has never been a substitute for accuracy.
And when someone gets worked up over “Hurting Wrong Fun,” that sort of literally misaimed zealotry is probably inevitable.
“Hurting Wrong Fun” is an old gamer’s phrase. It’s a sardonic reference to the idea that it’s not enough to enjoy something – you have to enjoy the “right” things in the “right” way or else you’ve caused pain to the universe. Or at least, to its self-appointed judge.
Now don’t get me wrong. In matters of taste, it’s OK to dislike something. If you aren’t into rap music, ice hockey, muscle cars or (gasp!) science-fiction movies, I’m not going to be the one to say that you must change. Different strokes, right?
But when that dislike turns toxic – “If you like this, you’re wrong, and I have to stop you” – then that’s another story. That’s the gatekeeper, the one whose enjoyment comes from dictating the enjoyment of others. It’s a cramped, narrow view, and one that’s not terribly fun for anyone except the critic and his or her friends.
Worse still, it cheapens the debate on matters where it is important to take a stand. There are critical issues and matters of conscience that are more than just “opinion” and need to be discussed seriously. But when we’ve gotten used to doing battle on no stronger grounds than “Well, that’s my opinion and yours doesn’t count,” it hurts our ability to see real needs. More than that, it hurts our ability to see real people, shutting out everything else except our own voice.
And it’s so easy. The Dark Side always is. Staying calm, keeping perspective, focusing on what matters – that’s a Jedi-level challenge.
So leave the “Hurting Wrong Fun” arguments alone. Let people enjoy what they enjoy. Save that conviction for the times when it’s needed … and even then, don’t let your passion throw off your aim.
That’s when you’ll be a Force to be reckoned with.
