Part 4/13:
A significant insight of this analysis is that many of the defenses of Star Wars content are less about the products themselves and more about the social reactions they incite. Watching fans rally around these shows in annoyance or outrage creates a sense of belonging, an “ingroup” that unites in opposition to perceived outsiders or detractors. The entertainment derived from this “moral” stance—positioning oneself as a defender of the true Star Wars—becomes a source of validation. Importantly, this is often less about appreciation for storytelling and more about achieving a sense of moral superiority through contrarianism.