Although Joe Morgenstern of The Wall Street Journal described Jar Jar as a “Rastafarian Stepin Fetchit on platform hoofs, crossed annoyingly with Butterfly Mcqueen,” Geaorge Lucas denies any racist implications. This could be true. But it doesn't matter if the racialization of Lucas' character was unintentional or not- if Jar Jar’s traits illicit race-based sentiments like these from such a big time white critic, Jar Jar's personhood and cultural makeup must have developed from racist thought, whether it was unintentional or not.
Many animated movies and TV cartoon shows have one main character that hold several aspects of Jar Jar's characteristics, which are highly reminiscent of the archetypes portrayed in black face minstrelsy. Jar Jar’s character, in particular, also resembles a black Caribbean stereotype. His character and treatment highly contrasts the intelligent, quick, fit (and mainly White) Jedis and rebel troops, who are given respect at all times and receive praise for their just acts while Jar Jar demonstrates his willingness to give up his own life for a Jedi’s because its his cultural duty to do so. In the film, he says he believes the Gods made his species to be indentured, devoted servants to Jedis (this reminds me of Manifest Destiny).
Wookies and Jar Jar’s species both save the day on several occasions, and Star Wars Episode 1 and 2 ends with the advanced and primitive races joined together in harmony… but it's clear who holds the upper hand. The exaggerated stereotypes the cartoon's creators give to Jar Jar and Chewie still indefensibly hold a race of people up to ridicule.
Lexi
Many animated movies and TV cartoon shows have one main character that hold several aspects of Jar Jar's characteristics, which are highly reminiscent of the archetypes portrayed in black face minstrelsy. Jar Jar’s character, in particular, also resembles a black Caribbean stereotype. His character and treatment highly contrasts the intelligent, quick, fit (and mainly White) Jedis and rebel troops, who are given respect at all times and receive praise for their just acts while Jar Jar demonstrates his willingness to give up his own life for a Jedi’s because its his cultural duty to do so. In the film, he says he believes the Gods made his species to be indentured, devoted servants to Jedis (this reminds me of Manifest Destiny).
Wookies and Jar Jar’s species both save the day on several occasions, and Star Wars Episode 1 and 2 ends with the advanced and primitive races joined together in harmony… but it's clear who holds the upper hand. The exaggerated stereotypes the cartoon's creators give to Jar Jar and Chewie still indefensibly hold a race of people up to ridicule.
Lexi