Star Wars, though of the same sci-fi genre, is very different from Star Trek. Aside from the fairly obvious difference of Star Wars being set in the past and Star Trek in the future, there is another more compelling difference between the two sagas. While Star Trek explores social issues and the human condition amidst technology, human evolution, and conflicts within the premise of coexistence amongst many species, Star Wars explores the human condition from a more spiritual emphasis. Yes, Star Wars boasts a technological arsenal equal ( or, some would argue, greater ) to that of Star Trek and explores human evolution and conflict as does Trek. However, the power behind the technologies and explorations of human evolution and conflict is one of a spiritual nature rather than that of human achievement, as with Trek. The spiritual component of Star Wars that is so prevalent in Star Wars is, of course, The Force -- that all encompassing "power" which can be either good or evil. It is this dichotomy within the Force which the story is based upon -- the classic battle between good and evil.
The story is essentially about two boys who became men. In the original trilogy, the boy in question is Luke Skywalker, a farmer from Tattooine who, after his home and family are destroyed by the evil Empire, discovers his destiny lies far from his home planet and sets off in search of it with an old recluse by the name of Obi Wan Kenobi. Along the journey, Luke discovered that Obi Wan was a Jedi Knight, he teamed up with Han Solo, rescued Princess Leia, and eventually discovered that his father was a Jedi Knight ( Anakin Skywalker ) who later turned to the Dark Side of the Force to become the master of evil, Darth Vader. The newest Episode I is where we follow the life of the second boy, Anakin Skywalker, on his journey to become a Jedi Knight and eventual fall to the Dark Side.
In the very first Star Wars, "A New Hope", Han Solo demonstrates a lack of faith regarding the Force and favors his blaster over "hokey religions" which is how I tied Star Wars into my "American Institutions" class as we discussed RELIGION in CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY . In the second part of the original series, "The Empire Strikes Back", Han learns the hard way how useless his trusty blaster can be against the power of the Dark Side of the Force as he comes face to face with Darth Vader and is eventually rescued by Luke and Princess Leia through the power of The Force. Throughout the original trilogy as well as "Episode One", there are many lessons to be learned and applied to our lives as well as in the classroom. I will be adding to this page periodically as time and inspiration allows. In the meantime, I invite you to explore what I have written thus far and visit the Trek / Wars Talk forum to add some thoughts of your own. May the Force be with you, always!
