Jar Jar Binks became one of the most polarizing figures in cinematic history when he made his debut in Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace in 1999. He was even named "the most annoying movie character of all time" by Complex Magazine. After the release, Ahmed Best, the man who played Jar Jar, was hit with the full force of the backlash — and it nearly destroyed him. The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks is a six-part journey through the early internet to understand how one of the first-ever online hate campaigns began, and to right what we got so wrong about Jar Jar the first time around.
The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks podcast is absolutely captivating. As a millennial Star Wars fan, I found myself engrossed in this podcast from start to finish. The show delves into the history of the actor who played Jar Jar, Ahmed Best, revealing the extent of his struggles and the impact that playing this controversial character had on his life. From a sociological perspective, the evolution of Jar Jar and the prequels is fascinating, as it reflects societal attitudes and pop culture trends. This podcast explores human emotions, society, and ultimately offers hope for a way forward past negativity.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is how it presents a deep dive into various subjects and interviews a wide range of individuals who have been influenced by or involved with Star Wars. The host, Dylan Marron, treats everyone with kindness and compassion, creating an atmosphere that encourages open and honest conversations. It's not just about Ahmed Best's story; it's about understanding the cultural significance of Star Wars and its impact on people's lives. This thoughtful approach makes the podcast relatable to any listener, regardless of their familiarity with Jar Jar or Star Wars.
However, one potential downside to this podcast might be that it focuses heavily on one character and may not appeal to those who are not fans of Star Wars or have limited interest in its cultural impact. While the podcast does touch on broader themes such as human emotion and societal attitudes towards art, its main focus remains on Ahmed Best's journey as Jar Jar Binks. This specificity could limit its appeal to a niche audience.
In conclusion, The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks is an exceptional podcast that tells a moving story about resilience and overcoming challenges. Both Star Wars fans and those interested in sociological perspectives will find value in listening to this series. Dylan Marron has done an incredible job as host, treating his guests with respect and delving into important discussions surrounding pop culture phenomenon. This podcast offers hope for a more compassionate and understanding future, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and personal growth.
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Two decades after The Phantom Menace premiered, the world is finally reconsidering how it treated Ahmed Best and the character he brought to life. But back in our galaxy, are we doomed to stay on the dark side of internet culture? Or is it not too late to redeem ourselves and stop making the same online mistakes over and over again? Transcripts for The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks are available at go.ted.com/jarjar
In the wake of the anti-Jar Jar backlash, Ahmed begins to rebuild his life. In the meantime, we try to make sense of internet hate by talking to one of the original Jar Jar haters: the person who created The Jar Jar Hate Page. Transcripts for The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks are available at go.ted.com/jarjar
While Ahmed faces Jar Jar hate websites and death threats, an even more thorny and challenging set of criticisms hits close to home, pushing Ahmed to a breaking point. Transcripts for The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks are available at go.ted.com/jarjar
The reviews for The Phantom Menace are in. And they're… not great. Unfortunately, that's just the beginning. Taking on a life of its own, the anti-Jar Jar backlash bounces from the acid pen of film critics, to the pixelated grain of early websites, to the black-and-white pages of traditional media, and heads straight for Ahmed. Transcripts for The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks are available at go.ted.com/jarjar
Meet the real man behind the iconic role. Before fan forums, prequels, and motion capture catsuits, Ahmed Best was just a young Star Wars superfan growing up in the South Bronx. But after traveling to his top-secret audition at the Skywalker Ranch, Ahmed's life changed forever. Transcripts for The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks are available at go.ted.com/jarjar
It's 1999, and sixteen years after its original release, a new Star Wars is finally coming. Fans have been camping out in front of theaters across the country just to be the first to see it. The beloved intergalactic saga is set to debut a slew of brand new characters, one of whom is a revolutionary CGI creation named Jar Jar Binks. Whispers begin to spread about big changes coming to the galaxy far, far away – and not everyone's happy about it. Transcripts for The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks are available at go.ted.com/jarjar
As the man behind one of the most divisive characters in cinematic history steps forward to tell his side of the story, host Dylan Marron goes back to reckon with the online hatred Jar Jar inspired, and what we can learn from it today. Coming June 28th from the TED Audio Collective.
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