TED Talks Daily Episode 1: The Internet's First Main Character? | The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks
Jul 24, 2023
Kurt Volk, a passionate Star Wars fan who camped out for weeks to see 'The Phantom Menace', shares his journey through early fandom. He discusses the nostalgia of 90s fan websites and the sense of community that arose during that time. The conversation dives into the controversy surrounding Jar Jar Binks, examining the backlash he faced and his cultural significance in online discourse. Kurt reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of fan expectations and personal connections to the franchise, showcasing the complexities of fandom in the digital age.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Camping for Star Wars
- Kurt Volk camped out on Hollywood Blvd for over a month to see The Phantom Menace.
- He even got a Naboo symbol tattoo with other fans.
Jar Jar Backlash
- The intense negative reaction to Jar Jar Binks, particularly online, deeply affected the actor.
- This backlash was one of the first large-scale online hate campaigns.
Dehumanization Online
- Dylan Marron, host of the podcast, connects Jar Jar Binks's experience to online dehumanization.
- He argues that online platforms facilitate forgetting the human behind the screen.