Part 5/12:
Lucas’s intent was to build a culture steeped in tradition, religion, and survival instincts, not to make them caricatures or one-dimensional villains. The violence was narrative-driven, designed to set up Anakin Skywalker's tragic backstory and illustrate the brutal reality of life on the desert planet.
The Misrepresentation and Misunderstanding
The recent media narrative claims that Lucas "demonized" the Tuskens as entirely savage and that this portrayal is inherently problematic. However, this perspective oversimplifies Lucas's intention and dismisses the layered storytelling that gives depth to the culture. The critique alleges that the depiction dehumanizes the Tuskens, painting them as mere stereotypes.