Jar Jar Binks Stereotypes

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Neimoidians (screenshot from Phantom Menace)

The next stereotype we come across is the famous Jar Jar Binks and the Gungan race. From what i have read, there seems to be a consensus that the main offense Lucas committed in the film was Jar Jar Binks. “The criticism has focused on Jar Jar Binks, member of an underwater alien race called the Gungans, who theoretically provides the film's comic relief”. He speaks a simplified version of english, not just Jar Jar but the whole Gungan race. At one point Qui-Gon exclaims, “are you brainless?”, Jar Jar retorts, “I spake”. Implying that just being able to speak makes him intelligent. This coupled with the fact it sounds like a caribbean accent, is horribly offensive character. If it were just one or two stereotypes and movie tropes, the character may …show more content…

When Jar Jar says things like, “Mesa called Jar-Jar Binks. Mesa your humble servant” or “Ohh, maxi big, da Force. Well, dat smells stinkowiff.” He is childlike, clumsy, has natural rhythm and has terrible table manners and despite being good natured doesn’t act appropriately in social situations. He is the comic relief for the film and even becomes a slave to Qui-Gon. After the Jedi saves Jar Jar from death it is seen as a life debt. Qui-Gon at no point turns down the offer and intends to use Jar Jar for his knowledge of the planet. It isn’t until Qui-Gon is killed, that Jar Jar is released. My last point about the Jar Jar and the Gungan race in general is that they are one of two life forms that appear to be inhabiting the plant, one the Gungans and the other a human race called Nabooans. The humans live in beautiful houses with advanced technology, while the Gungans barely speak a language and have very little in the way of culture and technology. As one article sarcastically puts it, “It’s not that Gungans are bad people, per se. They’re just simple, childlike loveable folk who are in firm need guidance by the upper races.

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