Discovering a 10-Year Overlooked Parallel Between the Jedi and the First Order

The Star Wars universe showcases a strikingly unsettling similarity between the revered Jedi Order and the formidable First Order. Traditionally viewed as the champions of peace throughout the galaxy, the Jedi flourished during the High Republic era and the events of the prequel trilogy, boasting membership that reached into the tens of thousands. Despite their noble intentions, they were not without flaws. Following the devastating actions of Emperor Palpatine, the remnants of the Jedi transformed into legends, symbolizing resilience and hope for those oppressed by tyranny.

In stark contrast, the legacy of the First Order was marked by chaos and destruction. Emerging from the remnants of the Galactic Empire, their reign, although brief, was catastrophic, resulting in the loss of billions of lives. While the Jedi strived for benevolence, the First Order embodied cruelty, intent on enforcing oppression through violence. Nonetheless, a significant parallel emerges when we examine their treatment of children.

The Jedi and the First Order Separate Kids from Their Families

After escaping Jakku, Finn begins to awaken to the possibilities of a different life characterized by companionship and hope, thanks to Rey. He expresses his feelings, sharing the haunting reality of his past. “I’m a stormtrooper,” he reveals. “Like all of them, I was taken from a family I’ll never know and raised to do one thing.” Expanding upon this, supplemental Star Wars narratives illustrate how the First Order kidnapped children, subjecting them to a relentless indoctrination process, influenced by dark side elements. Eventually, Finn, Jannah, and their allies, who were Force-sensitive, were able to break free from this tyranny.

This horrifying practice of abducting children from their families is certainly brutal. However, it is crucial to recognize that the Jedi Order engaged in similar actions, although their motivations differed. The Jedi sought out Force-sensitive younglings, systematically removing them from their families in an effort to mold them into future protectors of peace. While their approach might have been considerate, the impact on these children was profound; they were forever separated from their loved ones, never to return.

The Jedi Have More Free Will, but It Still Isn’t Easy for Them to Leave or Dissent

Both groups’ practices reflect a tragic reality: these children had no say in being uprooted from their homes. They became entangled in larger conflicts, often sent into battle despite their personal beliefs. While the Jedi championed peace, their methods frequently led them to wield violence, forced into war just like their counterparts in the First Order.

For instance, dedicated Jedi like Obi-Wan Kenobi grappled with the pain of lost connections, pondering about siblings and families left behind. The Jedi Order’s strict policies surrounding attachment stunted emotional bonds, complicating their interactions with younglings like Anakin Skywalker, whose acceptance into the Order was riddled with hesitation due to his age and existing ties.

Characters like Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee epitomized the struggle of Jedi who became warriors amid political turmoil. Barriss, frustrated with the Jedi’s involvement in war, resorted to extreme measures to make her voice heard, culminating in a tragic fallout that forced Ahsoka to abandon the only life she knew.

While it’s important to acknowledge that Jedi enjoyed relatively more freedom compared to the First Order’s brainwashed stormtroopers, leaving the Order was fraught with challenges. Where could they go? Voicing dissent was equally perilous, highlighting that, though noble in intention, the Jedi’s strictures led to significant mistakes that resonate with parallels to the First Order’s oppressive practices.

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