Five Reasons I Wish I Was a Jedi
Since I was out of town this past weekend attending the Writer’s Digest Conference in New York, I asked my husband (a.k.a. one of the world’s biggest Star Wars fans) back to fill in today while I’m “recovering” š
*********************************************
Iām a huge science fiction fan, and Star Wars is nerd-indulgence of choice. Ever since I saw Top Gun for the first time, I knew I wanted to be a fighter pilot. And ever since I was a wee lad, I knew I wanted to join the military or be a police officer so I could protect and help those that needed help and protection.
When I saw Star Wars for the first time (when Empire Strikes Back was re-released in 1997), I knew that my ultimate fantasy was to be an ace Jedi pilot for five reasons.
Highly Trained and Extremely Disciplined
Jedi are highly trained and extremely disciplined individuals. Taught from an early age to deny themselves for the greater good of the galaxy and its people, Jedi constantly train in everything from combat to acrobatics and gymnastics, and practice tremendous self-discipline through self-denial and frequent meditation. Even their clothing helps cultivate self-discipline, as the rough material of their cloaks is chosen specifically to help them learn how to ignore hardship and lifeās minor annoyances.
All Jedi practice both armed and unarmed combat techniques, with their armed training including lightsabers, blasters, and vibroblades (small, ultrasonic-vibrating knives). Most Jedi were also trained to be competent pilots. The self-discipline and work ethic displayed by Jedi is something Iām envious of.
Force Powers, of Course
Need I say more? The coolest part about being a Jedi is the Force powers. Being able to cloud peopleās minds, levitate incredibly heavy objects, tell if a person is lying, or have superhuman strength, stamina, wisdom, and combat prowess would be fantastic. And letās not forget about one of the most-overlooked parts of having Force powers: youād never again be tormented by that itch in the center of your back that you justā¦canātā¦quiteā¦reach.
Honorable
Jedi remain true to their duties, often sacrificing their lives on the altar of freedom. Jedi don’t run from danger, and they always confronted evil when they saw it. A good example of this is when Obi-Wan Kenobi allowed Darth Vader to strike him down, giving Luke, Han, and Leia time to escape the Death Star in the Millennium Falcon. This appeals to me probably more than any other characteristic of the Jedi, because it accurately reflects what I feel is the most worthy personality trait a person can have.
Lightsabers and Starfighters
I would love to have a lightsaber. Lightsabers can deflect blaster fire, absorb incoming electricity or Force lightning, and cut through several meters of ultra-dense, extremely heavy composite metal doorsāand theyāre just so danged amazing. Theyāre so amazing, in fact, that I once tried to talk my physics teacher into building me one. Too bad he gave some excuse about lightsabers not being possible.
And donāt even get me started on being a starfighter pilotābeing able to engage in fast and furious dogfights with enemy fighters, pulling off thrilling maneuvers, and independently pushing .7 past lightspeed would definitely satisfy my craving for doing all things adrenaline-producing.
Guardians of Peace and Justice
Jedi are the Star Wars equivalent of todayās police officers and military personnel. They frequently put their lives on the line in the face of great personal danger so that others would be safe and free from evil and tyranny.
During the time of the Old Republic, Jedi were often called upon to mediate disputes between groups or individuals that were at odds with each other, such as when Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Qui-Gon Jinn were sent to try to mediate a dispute between the pastoral planet of Naboo and the greedy Trade Federation. Although not technically part of any military or police force, the Jedi Order often took military action to eradicate evil and protect the innocent. To quote a very famous teacher, āGreater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.ā
What do you think would be the best part about being a Jedi? If being a Jedi isn’t for you, what’s your ultimate fantasy career?
Chris
Jan 23, 2012 @ 11:49:11
I would want to be the Queen of Naboo and a Jedi. I know, that isn’t possible, but this is my fantasy so I say it could happen! Although, fighting in some of those outrageous outfits the Queen has to wear might get tedious. And if even one feather in my elaborate headdress was singed, ooooh, that would mean war. Not really since I’d be all Jedi and stuff and they don’t like war. ; )
Jan 23, 2012 @ 14:03:17
Oh, my gosh, Tameri, I am ROLLING ON THE FLOOR!! *giggle, snort*
Jan 23, 2012 @ 14:04:34
If it’s your fantasy career to be both queen and Jedi, then you definitely get to have it š
Jan 23, 2012 @ 13:35:35
I was a fan back in the day–I always thought that Yoda was genius!
Jan 23, 2012 @ 14:05:21
I love Yoda š I think, though, that if I had to speak the way he does all the time, tired I might be š
Jan 23, 2012 @ 18:48:25
At my age the best part of being a Jedi would be putting on my socks without having to bend over.
Great post. Loved it.
Jan 24, 2012 @ 19:18:21
Hehe. For someone short like me, I could put away the cups on the top shelf without having to climb up on the counter.
Jan 23, 2012 @ 20:55:21
It’s a brave woman who leaves her husband in charge of the blog while she’s away. Although I guess if he’s a Jedi that’s probably different.
I’m with Chris on the force powers thing – imagine what you could do – and I would NEVER have thought of using it so creatively as to scratch my own back – pure genius.
Jan 24, 2012 @ 19:23:40
I was actually less worried about leaving him in charge of my blog than of leaving him alone with the house and the dog š
Jan 23, 2012 @ 22:34:40
I’d love to be a Jedi. oh the power LOL
great post, Marcy. let me second the comment that you’re a brave lady leaving hubby in charge.
Jan 24, 2012 @ 19:43:04
I think it’s probably better I’m not a Jedi. I might never get out of my chair if I could do everything, including clean the house, from a comfortable seat:)
Jan 24, 2012 @ 00:41:26
I am such a geek, I love Star Wars! Have to admit 4,5,6 are my favorites. I have a hard time with poor Hayden Christiansen’s acting, but my husband and I really enjoy the Clone Wars Animated Series.
Dream Jobs…I had mine, or my childhood one, training animals in a zoo. Now I’m working on my adult dream job, best-selling author!
Jan 24, 2012 @ 19:30:18
We like 4, 5, and 6 better too š
I think you might possibly have had one of the coolest jobs in the world training animals at the zoo. How do you get that kind of job?
Jan 24, 2012 @ 11:18:41
Much as I would love to be a Jedi I think I would be better suited to embrace the Dark Side and become a Sith.
Jan 24, 2012 @ 19:30:47
I think I just had a great idea for your next guest post š
Jan 24, 2012 @ 20:29:13
Oh, you’ve got me excited now.
Jan 24, 2012 @ 12:43:04
Chris, these are like hundreds of reasons disguised as five š Great job breaking it down. You’re right, Jedis look like idealized UN peacekeepers with superpowers. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Cool post. You should have your own blog!
Jan 24, 2012 @ 20:12:58
Chris says he doesn’t mind writing posts for me, but he doesn’t have the motivation to maintain his own blog. Which works out great for me since it means I have an able and ready guest poster whenever I’m in a pinch, and I get all his best ideas š
Jan 26, 2012 @ 01:23:26
OMG! I’ve been looking for this post since yesterday. Can you hear me breathing heaving? Finally found you and hit the follow button. Dang! I thought I already was. Mixed it up with Girls…
Anyway, I like Tameri’s answer. Can I steal that one? LOL Total girl power. Actually, Leia was a princess and she started to show some jedi skill there near the end. Heh?
Jan 27, 2012 @ 22:58:55
Hehe. I confuse myself sometimes hopping from Girls With Pens to here. I’m glad you found this post š
Jaina Solo (Han and Leia’s daughter in the books) also becomes a very powerful Jedi š
Fire At Warp 10 (January 26) | Marcy Kennedy & Lisa Hall-Wilson
Jan 26, 2012 @ 06:34:02
[…] Five Reasons I Wish I Were A Jedi – While Marcy was recovering from New York, her husband guest posted on his ultimate fantasy career. […]
[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The comment’s server IP (72.233.96.174) doesn’t match the comment’s URL host IP (72.233.69.6) and so is spam.