Posted by Dragoncub at user-2ivfsag.dialup.mindspring.com on December 22, 2001 at 01:36:59:
In Reply to: Question for Dragoncub posted by Neil on December 22, 2001 at 00:20:53:
: Am I really supposed to treat this person as my equal?
Yes.
Not in terms of film knowledge or general experience, but in terms of fundamental value as a sentient (I don't know how else to put it). We can't discern anyone's potential based on a few words on a screen--to categorically dismiss this person, especially based on a few comments that were in no way defamatory to anyone (except Chewy), is unfair. Clam was intrigued by something in a VA project and took his/her examination here. Would it be so uncomfortable for you to issue your impressions of this post from a position of basic respect for this individual's right to explore Kevin's work from the vantage point of whatever phase of life he/she happens to be in?
Would you find it entirely unpalatable to reply according to the merits of the content herein rather than making judgements about merits of the poster?
*{Understand that "defamatory" is a key concept in all of this because if the post had been slanderous in some way (like some of the destructive things I've read here regarding women) I wouldn't be objecting to the harsh tone in reply...}
PS: what was it about the last exchange that sent it into the great eternal void? Cuz we could be teetering on that edge again.
: I mean, I understand the basics of the philosophy... Hippy-dippy we're all equal stuff. I enjoyed those ideas myself when I was 19. There are far too many gray areas in the world.
: Let's take a look at this, shall we?
: : In the deleted scenes of Dogma, Loki seems to imply that Chewbacca and Lando are examples of Han Solo's repressed homosexuality.
: Ok, an observation. So far, so good.
: : I disagree with this...
: He's - or she, my radar on this is indeed poor, and clam, well... -publically arguing with a fictional character!
: : ... as anyone who watched the movie more closely would agree with me that Han is a player. Lando is too. These guys seem like pure space smoothies to me.
: Here the argument is that Kevin is espousing the views of every one of the characters he writes, and as such has the world's most confused views on the sexual symbolism of Archie comics.
: I'm curious about them being cold dairy and fruit beverages, though. This could be a metaphor I could appreciate.
: : As for Chewie, he's just Han's pet, granted a very unusual pet who is like a cross between a dog and a bear, but a pet nonetheless.
: Here the argument is that a character who not only can easily and obviously communicate complex ideas, but can pilot and repair a space ship is a "pet".
: Man, I need to get me one of those!
: : Maybe Kevin just had Loki say that as an example of the pure nuttiness of his character...
: Well, here it comes to something somewhat logical, but only after making the other less sensible points.
: : ... or maybe he just said that to pay tribute to Lucas (as anyone would, because Lucas deserves a lot of credit for creating such a unique and lovable world) like he always does. I don't know. It's obvious Kevin really loves Star Wars (which, besides our enjoyment of Douglas Adams, is a bond I share with him) no matter what the reality of the matter is, and it's interesting to hear his characters' take on it, even if their views are a bit far-fetched sometimes.
: Here is a common "misconception", so it's not about me being superior as much as simply better informed.
: Kevin has stated that he's by no means the biggest Star Wars fan out there and his original nods had simply been out of nostalgia for a moment in our collective youths. He has continued making them because they seemed to resonate, not because of a personal obssession with the films.
: Now, we're all up to speed.