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The overarching message appears to suggest that Lucas's depiction was ethnocentric or simplistic, and that recent shows like The Mandalorian are correcting this perceived misstep by humanizing the Tuskens.
Lucas's Original Portrayal: Context and Cultural Influences
George Lucas’s portrayal of the Tuskens in the original Star Wars trilogy and prequels was deeply rooted in the storytelling of his era and influenced by real-world cultures. He drew inspiration from Bedouin tribes and other desert-dwelling peoples, aiming to create a tribe that embodies survival, religious zealotry, and territorial violence—traits necessary to explain the harsh environment of Tatooine.