#given the choice now that im older id join the alliance rather than the jedi

[moonssugar]

so i’m noticing all the jedi defenders are logging on. uhhm. (long and rambling)

we don’t have to get extreme and say they all deserved to be murdered in order to realize they still got problems. the jedi as an organization is flawed theologically in my opinion — getting personal here but ive got plenty of experience with groups/orgs that read well on the surface (guardians of peace and justice) but aren’t structurally, ideologically or theologically sound (the jedi code for starters), that don’t always meet their adherents needs and loose sight of the most basic needs like companionship, love, proper mental health etc instead of enlightened platitudes. i have beef with how jedi view what they experience as the the all encompassing force underlying everything (largely in strictly in black and white, sure theres the ‘living force’ and ‘cosmic force’ but there’s a sharp divide because of their history with the sith). how they reject and try to suppress any view on the force that doesnt match their own (this is not exclusive to dark side stuff either)

dunno if this is still canon but im pretty sure the jedi automatically have custody over any force sensitive child in the republic? or how they send the kids that dont pass the exams to work camps under harsh conditions for the rest of their lives? are we gonna talk about that?

i see people saying “well millions of other jedi were able to follow the rules, why couldn’t anakin? there’s nothing wrong with the jedi! just because he couldnt obey” i mean hes not the only one to defect and/or join the dark side. the way people view the jedi that leave puts a bad taste in my mouth; they all have their own reasons for leaving and yes sometimes that means the jedi as an organization is at fault. i think also in terms of ashoka leaving the order that often it is the jedi or jedi counsel’s fault. it reminds me of how people view apostates or ex religious folks, as a threat to the image of thing they left and people immediately go into defense to shirk any criticism or responsibility. brings me to another point about the counsel: the jedi have deeply flawed leadership too and tbh that deserves its own post and in depth research because theres a lot.

basically like. dont go blindly defending a huge religious organization even if its fictional. if real life has taught us anything…yeah the good doesnt always outweigh the bad or sometimes even come close. holding organizations like that responsible is the responsible thing to do, noticing their flaws and talking about them is healthy. not to resurrect the author but im pretty sure george lucas intended for the jedi to be flawed. theyre not blameless or perfect at the end of the day, theyre not fascists or evil incarnate, they didnt deserve literal genocide either but they are intrinsically flawed and that causes problems and drives the plot. thats okay to acknowledge