Kentucky Kernel -- January 31, 1997

<BODY BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF LINK=#0066ff ALINK=#0066ff VLINK=#660000> <BLOCKQUOTE>    <CENTER> <FONT SIZE=6> <B>The Force is with you, even back in kindergarten</B><P> </FONT> </CENTER> <FONT SIZE=4><B>Christopher Emmick</B><BR></FONT>Kernel Columnist <HR> Today is a day that will go down in history. It ranks right up there with D-Day, Woodstock, and the invention of toast. Everybody in America, with an exception of one or two rural communities in Utah, knows about the event to take place today. Tonight's event will be known as the No. 1 theater event of the century.<P> Of course I'm talking about the re-release of Star Wars. I'm sure you've heard every infinitesimal change that George Lucas and his merry band of film masters have done to this version of the science fiction classic.In fact, some people are probably sick of hearing about it. Even though a writer for the KeG claims that Star Wars was a "defining moment for a generation," some people really don't give a rat's tail about it. They are entitled to their opinions. <P> I would like to address those people. I want to share with you why the Star Wars Trilogy is more than just a series films to me. I appreciate the entertainment of the movies, the association with my memories and the Force working for me in kindergarten. <P> The Star Wars Trilogy is the series of films that entertained me. When I saw the trilogy for the first time, I was only 6 or 7 years old. I knew they were just movies, but it seemed so realistic to me. Darth's metallic breathing sent chills down my spine. The technology of the weapons and ships thrilled my little scientific mind. Even Yoda, an animated puppet, seemed so real and personal. The music and sound effects took my senses on a roller coaster ride from start to finish. For a kid, the movies were emotional experiences that left my imagination yearning for more and more. <P> Speaking of my childhood, every time I watch Star Wars now, I am reminded of those days when my friends and I would quench our active imaginations. We would spend countless hours recreating the Battle of Hoth, Luke getting his hand chopped off by Darth and Darth throwing the Emperor off the side to a fiery-electric death. (Why I was always the Emperor and why they always insisted on going up to the roof of the house I'll never know). <P> By going back to these childhood scenes, I remember the carefree and joyful attitude I had. Now I have the responsibilities and wisdom of being a mature, educated, respectable young man. No longer can I be the carefree little boy who can run around barefoot in the yard attacking the Tie Fighters. <P> I appreciate being entertained by Star Wars, and I appreciate the attachment the movies have on my childhood memories. However, the most important association I have with the Star Wars movie is how the Force saved me in kindergarten. <P> Mom had just left me for my first day in kindergarten. I recall seeing all these faces, some about my age, some much older than me. I didn't know anybody! I was scared and alone, so I began to cry. OK, I bawled. Soon after that we began class with a viewing of "The Polka Dot Door," a show that reduced my crying to sniffling but did not comfort me. <P> Later in the afternoon, playtime came. I went to sit in the corner to be alone with my low self-esteem, when suddenly somebody grabbed me by the arm. He said, "May the Force be with you!" <P> I broke a smile. He asked me if I wanted to play Star Wars with him and another kid. Of course I responded a resounding, "Yea!" We ran (as kindergartners never walk) to the toy area. Quickly, using wooden building blocks, we fashioned a couple of X-wings. Soon the dull roar of the kindergartners around us was quieted, and the sound of Tie Fighters being blasted out of the sky rang true into our ears. <P> Right before the trench run, the bell rang. Mom awaited in the doorway. She smiled at me and asked if I had a good day. I told her about my Star Wars battles, and "The Polka Dot Door." Even though I bawled three-quarters of the day, it was a good day. <P> That's really why I love Star Wars. I have such good memories and have had great experiences from people who also love Star Wars. The people who grew up entertained and mesmerized by Star Wars still show that love today. This is why every movie theater in America will be packed tonight. <P> Do you have the love? <P> <CENTER><I>Kernel Columnist Christopher Emmick is a computer science sophomore; his views do not necessarily represent those of the Kentucky Kernel.</I></CENTER> <P>    <HR> <P> <CENTER> <FONT SIZE=5> [ <A HREF="welcome.html">Contents</A> | <a href="http://www.kykernel.com">Home</A> | <A HREF="/archive.html">Archives</A> | <A HREF="/feed.html">Feedback</A> ]<BR> </FONT> <P> <B>© Copyright 1997, Kernel Press Inc. All Rights Reserved</B><BR>  </BLOCKQUOTE> </BODY>