Part 6/11:
The criticism extends beyond individual actors to broader cultural debates surrounding 'wokeness' and the political direction of the franchise. Many perceive that the term 'woke' has shifted from its original meaning—awareness of social issues—to a pejorative used to describe activism and diversity initiatives perceived as forced or inauthentic.
Proponents of this view argue that many modern Star Wars projects are crafted with an ideological agenda, prioritizing representation and social justice themes over storytelling quality. Detractors contend that this shift has alienated core fans who feel that the franchise is being sacrificed at the altar of political correctness, leading to decline in viewer engagement, especially among younger audiences who historically fueled its popularity.