In 2017, the release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi brought a new character into the Star Wars universe: Rose Tico, played by actress Kelly Marie Tran. However, her character was met with mixed reactions from fans of the franchise. Some praised her for being a strong and relatable character, while others criticized her as unnecessary and poorly written. Despite the polarizing opinions, Rose became the subject of countless memes on the internet, with some even calling her the “Jar Jar Binks” of the sequel trilogy.
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The Controversy Surrounding Rose Tico
One of the main criticisms of Rose Tico was her role in the movie. Some fans felt that her storyline was unnecessary and didn’t add anything significant to the plot. Others criticized her for being a “Mary Sue,” a term used to describe a character who is too perfect and whose abilities don’t make sense within the context of the story.
On the other hand, many fans defended Rose’s character and praised her for being a strong and relatable female character. They argued that her storyline was important in highlighting the theme of fighting for what you believe in, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Rise of Star Wars Rose Memes
As with any controversial topic, the internet quickly turned Rose Tico into a meme. Some of the memes were harmless and even funny, while others were downright mean-spirited and offensive. One popular meme featured a picture of Rose with the caption “That feeling when you realize you’re the Jar Jar Binks of the sequel trilogy.”
Despite the negative memes, many fans also created memes that celebrated Rose’s character and defended her against the hate. One popular meme featured a picture of Rose with the words “Rose Tico deserved better” written underneath.
The Response from Kelly Marie Tran
Unfortunately, the online hate towards Rose Tico also extended to the actress who played her, Kelly Marie Tran. Tran was subjected to racist and sexist comments on social media, which led her to delete her Instagram account.
In an op-ed for The New York Times, Tran wrote about the impact the online harassment had on her mental health. She wrote, “Their words seemed to confirm what growing up as a woman and a person of color already taught me: that I belonged in margins and spaces, valid only as a minor character in their lives and stories.”
The Legacy of Rose Tico
Despite the controversy surrounding her character, Rose Tico has become an important part of the Star Wars universe. She represented a new kind of hero for the franchise, one who wasn’t a Jedi or a member of the Skywalker family. Her storyline also highlighted important themes about fighting for what you believe in and standing up against oppression.
As for the memes, they will always be a part of internet culture. However, it’s important to remember that they can have real-world consequences, as seen with the online harassment towards Kelly Marie Tran.
Fan Reactions
“I loved Rose’s character and thought she brought a fresh perspective to the Star Wars universe. It’s a shame that some fans couldn’t see that and resorted to hate.” – Sarah, 26
“The memes were funny at first, but then they just became mean-spirited. It’s not okay to attack someone just because you don’t like their character.” – Tom, 32
“Rose Tico was a great character and I hope she gets more screen time in future movies. The memes were just a reflection of the toxic fandom that plagues the Star Wars community.” – Emily, 24
In Conclusion
Rose Tico may have been a controversial character, but she still played an important role in the Star Wars universe. The memes may have been funny, but they also had real-world consequences for the actress who played her. As fans, it’s important to remember that our opinions and criticisms can have an impact on the people involved in creating the movies and characters we love.
