Episode 1: The Internet’s First Main Character? | The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks
Jul 26, 2023
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Jar Jar Binks, a revolutionary CGI creation in Star Wars, discusses the hate towards his character and the internet's role in fueling negativity. The hosts explore waiting in line for the release of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and the emergence of Star Wars fan websites. Ahmed Best reflects on portraying Jar Jar Binks, the challenges of being a black artist, and his journey towards redemption.
The podcast explores the intense anticipation surrounding the release of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and the impact of the internet in shaping opinions and the concept of the internet's main character.
The episode sheds light on the dehumanizing effect of online interactions and highlights the need for empathy and understanding in online spaces.
Deep dives
The Phenomenon of Jar Jar Binks
The podcast episode explores the character of Jar Jar Binks from the Star Wars franchise and how he became one of the most polarizing characters in cinema history. It delves into why the character was so widely disliked, the hate campaign that exploded on the early internet, and the impact on Ahmed Best, the actor who played the character. The episode highlights the intense anticipation surrounding the release of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, and how fans camped out for over a month in Hollywood to be the first to see it. It also examines the role of the internet in shaping opinions and the concept of the internet's main character.
The Humanization of Internet Hate
The episode explores the dehumanizing effect of online interactions and how it contributes to negativity and hate. It draws parallels between the experience of the podcast host, Dylan Marin, in engaging with online hate in his previous work and the online backlash against Jar Jar Binks. The concept of the internet's main character is discussed, with an explanation of how it relates to the pile-on and bullying of individuals for entertainment purposes. The episode highlights the need for empathy and understanding in online interactions.
The Impact on Ahmed Best
The episode examines the personal and professional consequences that Ahmed Best faced after playing Jar Jar Binks. It explores the profound psychological effects of the intense backlash and criticism he received. The episode delves into the intersection of race and artistry, highlighting the challenges for black artists in the industry. It also addresses the intriguing question of whether the negative reception of Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace was a singular occurrence that represents a unique cultural and cinematic phenomenon.
The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks is a new show from the TED Audio Collective, hosted by Dylan Marron.
It’s 1999, and sixteen years after its original release, a new Star Wars is finally coming. Fans have been camping out in front of theaters across the country just to be the first to see it. The beloved intergalactic saga is set to debut a slew of brand new characters, one of whom is a revolutionary CGI creation named Jar Jar Binks. Whispers begin to spread about big changes coming to the galaxy far, far away – and not everyone’s happy about it.
Listen to The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks wherever you get your podcasts.
Transcripts for The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks are available at go.ted.com/jarjar