The Real Lesson of “Star Wars”

The most politically relevant quote from Star Wars is not Senator Palpatine’s ultimatum, “You are either with me, or you are my enemy.” Nor is it Amidala’s observation: "So this is how liberty dies—with thunderous applause."

While both lines resonate, even more apropos are the words of Master Yoda, who warned, “Fear leads to Anger. Anger leads to Hate. Hate leads to Suffering.”

Fear (or more appropriately, terror), anger (stirred up by divisive religious issues), and hatred (of imaginary enemies, like the liberal “elite”) pushed a significant portion of the electorate to support policies—often unwittingly—that are good for a tiny sliver of rich elite, but bad for almost everyone else. But though some of these voters have been manipulated, the generous and inventive American spirit is still alive in their hearts.

Democrats, too, have strayed from Yoda’s path. The talented New Republic columnist (and former Michigan Daily writer) Jonathan Chait spoke for many when he confessed his hatred of George Bush last September. And in the cultural war that is ravaging our country, many people on both sides of the ideological divide hate—or think they hate—those on the other. Even some loyal readers of this blog simmer with vitriol when they think of the state our country is in. Sometimes I do too.

In politics, as in Star Wars, the dark side is represented by power-corrupted leaders who are masters of carefully planned deception. These leaders eventually find themselves saying, “if only those common fools could understand the decisions I’m making.” But the common people do understand, and eventually the corrupt politicians fall. However, it’s not an automatic process. It requires a strong news media, or in its absence, an effective opposition.

Which brings us back to the films. In “Episode VI: Return of the Jedi,” as Luke walks into the Emperor’s trap, he senses the love buried in Anakin’s heart. It is this love—and I’m really sorry to spoil the movie for you—that leads Anakin to turn on the Emperor and thus reject the Dark Side of the Force.

There is a practical lesson here. Just as Luke did not defeat the Emperor by attacking Anakin, Democratic leaders will not win elections by attacking those who have been duped into voting for power-hungry politicians. Rather, Democrats must provide a positive, alternative vision—while staying on guard against the dark side.