Though at least one of my colleagues prefers to differ, I do, in fact, enjoy \Star Wars"" to a great degree. While I am by no means a ""fanatic,"" like many of our generation, the original ""Star Wars"" trilogy holds a special place in my heart, especially in my young cinematographic memories.
Though fictional, and sometimes even poorly written, the champions of that galaxy far, far away are nevertheless some of the best Americanized examples of nobility, and we can all hope to be as brave, cunning and pure as them.
In my younger days, I wanted to be heroic like Luke Skywalker, daring like Han Solo, wise like Obi-Wan and Yoda, and persuasive and alluring like Princess Leia (come on people, it's a skill). Yet now when I think about who I'd most want to be from Star Wars, none of the previously mentioned characters will do. Allow me to explain.
To coincide with the first-time DVD release of the original trilogy, a new video game called ""Star Wars: Battlefront"" was shipped to stores as well. Some of the gentlemen I live with purchased the game right away, as the premise of battling in the key skirmishes and locales of the movies was quite attractive to them.
I sat down to play the game and was promptly given the option to fight for the Rebels (the good guys) or the Confederation (Darth Vader's clan). After years of virtually battling as a noble Jedi or a dashing bounty-hunting hero, I decided to take the plunge into the Dark Side and fight against those I had adored in my youth.
My experience as a virtual member of the Dark Side was as profound a revelation as any I've gleaned from Star Wars, and has even led me to believe in a new approach to real life.
Sometimes, you just gotta be a stormtrooper.
That's right-sometimes life calls for a different methodology, some new tactics in handling those unpleasant and annoying scenarios which seek to ruin your day. Sometimes, nobility, tact, sympathy and respectability are not what the doctor ordered.
Next door neighbor owe you money for the party or bar tab you footed the bill for last night? Sometimes you just gotta be a Stormtrooper. Kick his door down, set your blasters for ""stun,"" and don't leave until the debt is paid in full. Heck, take a little extra for the effort-you're on the Dark Side now.
Roommate blaring Ashlee Simpson and Nickelback till 4 a.m.? Sometimes, you just gotta be a Stormtrooper. Grab her desk chair, throw her out into the hall and delete every stupid iTune she has. You could even go the extra mile and crash her hard drive-no more crappy music coming from that laptop. Darth Vader would be proud.
Best friend dating a total sleaze-ball loser? Sometimes, you just gotta be a stormtrooper. Next time he comes over and starts to eat your food like the poor-mannered pig he is, snatch his plate and gobble down. His lame Jedi mind-tricks may work on your friend, but they aren't fazing you.
When faced with irritating situations in the future, ask yourself: what's the best way to handle this? Should I use diplomacy and aim for the unfulfilling middle-ground of compromise? Or should I go in with figurative blasters blazing, crush the annoying Rebel opposition and take the galaxy for my own?
Sometimes, you just gotta be a stormtrooper.
writePNL@yahoo.com.
