So you’re a French kid who likes Star Wars and hangs out in your school’s A/V center. Naturally, you record yourself swinging around a broomstick like it was Darth Maul’s double-headed lightsaber, right?
I can relate to that.
Unfortunately, you’re also incredibly absent-minded, so you leave the videotape lying around, where just anyone can get see it. Such as other kids who don’t like you much.
I can relate to that.
Then those other kids decide to post it on the internet, and over a million people download you spinning around attacking thin air with your broomstick while making special effect noises with your mouth.
I’m so thankful I grew up before that was possible.
It’s not all bad, though. Some other folks took the video and remade it with cool sound and visual effects – theres a Star Wars version (my favorite) and also a Matrix version. It’s actually kinda of charming.
There’s even a happy ending to this: some webloggers have done some fundraising and have bought the kid an Ipod, so it’s not an entirely negative experience for him. Some other swag has been donated, including – get this – a replica lightsaber autographed by the actor who played Darth Maul.
The above-linked blog also contains a news story indicating that the kid’s family is considering a law suit – too bad, I hope they don’t go through with it – and an interview with the kid himself. All via Views from the Outside..
The thing that I love about this story, is that it is a testament to the fact that the things that people pick on you for in High School are not necessarily grounds for pariah-hood in the real world, and in fact they may be grounds for mass acceptance and understanding. I hope the “Star Wars Kid” learns exactly that lesson from this experience.
Glad to see your blog is back, Amp
I think this is real cool of all of you to do this for the kid. I mean, my friends and I love to watch the videos, and we all said that if anything would get out on the net like the video this kid did, we’d all be like, “Hey! thanks dudes, for makin’ The video look cool and all!”
I think it is a testament to how people can take something that was mean-spirited, and turn it around. I mean, who would just up and give this kid an I-pod. I want one of those too, but no one is gonna give me one, and for the reason that I am not the Star Wars Kid. You guys are AWESOME.
So did he get a part in the new episode 3? I heard he was promissed it?
Click on Brauer for a sociological perspective on these issues and the Star Wars Kid