The Unspoken Racism Against Droids in Star Wars and Its Cultural Implications

Star Wars, a beloved franchise that has captivated audiences since George Lucas conceptualized it in the early 1970s, draws heavily from the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov. This influence is not just a superficial one but a profound narrative layer that critically explores themes such as racism and mechanization. One of the most under-examined aspects of Star Wars is the pervasive and inescapable racism against droids among its characters.

The World-Building of Star Wars and Droid Slavery

One of the most unsettling elements in the world-building of Star Wars is the clear depiction of droids as slaves. Much like the human slaves in the series, droids are treated as property without rights or recognition of their personalities and emotions.

The franchise treats droids like a slaver's fantasy of happy, loyal slaves. Despite droids being programmed with personalities and emotions, regular memory wipes are used to ensure their servility. The character R2-D2, who is known for his help and loyalty, is even subjected to a restraining bolt in A New Hope. This suggests that even characters who value droids are complicit in the systemic abuse and discrimination against them.

The Impact of the Clone Wars and Crafting Droid Public Perception

The war between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems during the Clone Wars dramatically changed the public perception of droids. The Separatist Battle Droids, with their genocidal nature, transformed a once-humble servant class into a terrifying force. This shift in public perception is a crucial factor in the developing racism against droids within the galaxy.

The aftermath of the Clone Wars, under the Empire, further soured the relationship between humans and droids. The memory of the battle droids' destructive actions remained fresh in the minds of many, leading to widespread distrust and suspicion. Public establishments such as Cantinas began to establish policies that excluded droids, highlighting the pervasive nature of this fear.

Changing Stereotypes: From Racism to Redemption

However, it's important to note that these stereotypes are not fixed. Characters in Star Wars can evolve their attitudes over time. For instance, in A New Hope, the cantina scene at Mos Eisley clearly depicts a society that does not welcome droids. Yet, this scenario eventually changes, with characters like Jaboas old torture droid, EV-9D9, serving drinks in the bar after the fall of the Empire. This change demonstrates the potential for societal attitudes to shift, suggesting that even the deeply ingrained prejudices can be overcome.

Similarly, Din Djarin, a character from The Mandalorian, experiences a significant shift in his opinions regarding droids. His companionship with IG-11, an assassin droid, allows Djarin to see past initial prejudices. The droidas sacrifice for Djarin and the group changes Djarin's perception, from a perspective of fear and hatred to one of empathy and admiration. This narrative arc underscores the potential for redemption and the malleability of racial or mechanical biases.

Conclusion and Reflections

The recurring theme of racism against droids in Star Wars raises important questions about the societal attitudes towards technology and artificial intelligence in our own world. By examining the cultural implications of these narratives, we can gain insights into pervasive biases and the importance of empathy and understanding in a society increasingly reliant on technology.

Ultimately, the relationship between characters and droids in Star Wars is not just a narrative device but a commentary on the complex and often uneasy relationship humans have with technology and the capacity for prejudice to exist in even the most progressive societies. This exploration of these themes serves to provoke thought and encourage reflection on the realities of our own technological advancements and societal prejudices.