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OPINIONS
Connection and COVID-19 I spent the summer counting down the days until I would be back at Bishop’s University. I was so excited to see my friends and to come back to Lennoxville, despite the fact that this year would be different. I was not completely prepared, though, for how different it would be. Everyone says that online classes are much more difficult than classes in person, and I agree – but not because I am having a harder time learning. No, these classes are difficult because I am missing the social interaction with my professor and peers. Sitting at a desk in an apartment, staring at a laptop watching lectures, and then doing homework all day is not healthy or good for anyone. I was bored and lonely by the second week back. I found that I could not pay attention in class, spending the entire time scrolling through social media instead. It was depressing and I was not accomplishing anything. As such, I decided that I needed a new plan: if I was so desperately missing that social interaction, I would seek it out myself. I booked study rooms in the library in order to sit with
Wars. Anyone who has watched more than one episode of The Clone Wars can notice the social commentary and the discussions of politics that make up a core part of the show. After all, the show takes place between Episode II and Episode III of Star Wars; they flesh out the prequels, which are, among other things, about the collapse of a democratic regime that is replaced by a tyrannical, imperial one. Political matters are central to the story in the context of a galactic war meant to uphold the Republic against the Separatists that would destroy it. Moreover, the political theme is relevant to the world context of the time. While The Clone Wars aired from 2008 to 2014 (apart from the last season released in 2020), the Star Wars prequel movies came out between 1999 and 2005. It is quite obvious from the episodes and story arcs that the creators were influenced partly by Bushera politics and use their show to critique the American government and democratic capitalism. Instances of such references and critiques run the gamut: from having an antagonistic Kaminoan senator called Halle Burtoni (who, as a great proponent of increased military spending, is a direct reference to Halliburton, Dick Cheney’s former company), to the Trade Federation and the Banking Clans having direct representation in the senate. The main conflict centres around a group of nations that feel the current system is devaluating them. The
The Campus 7, 2020 THE CAMPUSOctober SEPTEMBER 16
Safia Hafid, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com Sydney Wilson Contributor
a friend and watch lectures together. I spent time in the Sportsplex studying, so even if I was doing homework alone there were people around me doing the same. I tried going for walks, even if it was just to buy coffee. I attempted to maximize the time I spent outside of my apartment, and when I was at home, I connected with my roommates. The weekends, I have found, are the most difficult; everyone wants to go out and party with their friends, but no one wants to get caught or catch COVID-19. Going outside to meet friends is fun until it becomes dark and cold, pushing people to meet inside. I try to visit the same person’s house with the same five or six people each time. But it remains difficult. You do not know who your friends come into contact with when you are not with them, leading you to question if it is really safe to see them. I personally decided that I trust my friends to make smart decisions, but it is nevertheless important to remain vigilant. I think that despite the fact that this year is different, we can all step out of our rooms once in a while and find a safe way to spend time with our loved ones.
Politics in Children’s Media That I am an avid lover of fiction should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me. I love books, and that has not changed throughout my 19 years of life. One of the reasons I love fiction so much, especially the fantasy and science-fiction genres, is because of the brilliant and often scathing social commentaries found within them. I have always viewed books – and other such stories, regardless of the medium – as a reaction to our reality. The more fantastical the elements, the more rooted they are in our own systems and the world we readers inhabit. I find that aspect most resounding in children’s media. A lot of animated movies and shows marketed towards children, but enjoyable for all age groups, seem to bear very pointed social commentary and criticism of society. In particular, I am referencing shows such as The Clone
2020
Students studying in the reference room of the Library Learning Commons Photo Courtesy of architizer.com
Safia Hafid Opinions Editor
situation leads to demands of separation and freedom – a valid cause defeated because it was hijacked by a Sith Lord. The show tackles the cut of funding from healthcare to support the war effort, takes the time to differentiate between freedom fighters and terrorists, and gives the message that it is right to stand up to oppressive systems and authority. The show’s content is both a reflection on and a critique of the world. At its heart, the prequel Trilogy, and by extension The Clone Wars, is a tragedy. Like dystopian novels, it imagines worst-case scenarios in a plea for the current world to change, or at least to begin thinking differently.
Photo Courtesy of LucasArt/Public Domain
The show says: this is what happens when you treat sentient beings like slaves (the clones); this is what happens when capitalism is allowed free reign in the government; this is what happens when war and military spending are the most important agendas; this is what happens when people (the Jedi) are forced to give up their morals, ethics, and ways; this is what corruption brings; this is how a Republic becomes a Galactic Empire. After all, the Republic was the Empire in all but its name long before the ending of Revenge of the Sith. What is interesting about the show, and the six original Star Wars movies in general, is how it explores and depicts these issues and criticisms. Though the references are
anything but subtle, the writing does not preach. It shows instead of telling. Yes, this is a children’s show first and foremost, and yes, children themselves will not understand most of the political context. However, they are still exposed to these stories and are bound to absorb some knowledge, which will be beneficial for them in the future. Also, due to the often ethically grey storylines, the viewers are allowed to come to their own conclusions. The good guys often face ethical quandaries. The bad guys – the Separatists – have a legitimate rationale for their cause, which could have been resolved had the Republic not escalated the issue into a war under the direction of the villain. Even when the Jedi win, they still lose. It is even plausible, for those with little or no knowledge of Star Wars, to not realize that Supreme Chancellor Palpatine and the Sith Lord Darth Sidious are one and the same. Yet, such viewers can still observe how the elected leader of the Republic makes dubious choices and is often portrayed as sinister by the narrative. As the show progresses, it becomes darker, and its reality and social commentary become more dire. Why is this important? Because, as mentioned before, it is both a warning for the viewers and a reflection of political issues happening globally today. Even the Bushera critiques still resonate in 2020. Some of my favourite media are those that expose and tear apart issues relevant to the time and offer at least some form of resolution or answer. Though the prequels are a tragedy, viewers know that Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Leia Organa prevail. Even at the height of the Empire, there was resistance and rebellion, and they won. Even if democracy has its issues and failures, empires are the problem – not the solution. It is crucial, now more than ever, to be aware of politics and how they affect people’s everyday lives. It is important to fight against the forces that threaten true democracy, forever aiming to create an autocratic empire. It is imperative to continue demanding representation, fairness and human rights.
