Part 7/12:
The Reality: Reinforcing the Cultural and Narrative Purpose
Critics of the idea that Lucas "mistreated" Tuskens point out that the original characterization served a narrative and cultural purpose. Portraying Tuskens as aggressive and hostile emphasizes the dangers of Tatooine’s environment and the difficulties faced by its inhabitants, especially in the context of A New Hope and Attack of the Clones.
In Attack of the Clones, for example, Tusken Raiders play a pivotal role in Anakin Skywalker's tragic fall. Their brutality fuels his hatred and descent into darkness. Understanding their culture reveals a complex society rooted in survival and religious zeal, not mere racial stereotypes.