George Lucas spoke at Friday’s D23 Expo in Anaheim where he reportedly refused to apologize for his most maligned character, Jar Jar Binks. Ever since the Gungan character appeared in 1999’s The Phantom Menace, Lucas has caught hell for what many see as a racially stereotypical creation. Lucas hears what you’re saying, and Lucas doesn’t care.
During his speech, Lucas spilled his secret influence for the character to much audience laughter. It turns out Lucas loves Disney, and his adoration of Goofy inspired the birth of Jar Jar. Does this revelation make things better or worse for the still-steaming pot of Jar Jar hatred?
“I can’t even begin to tell you how much of an influence Disney has had on me. I will say one secret that nobody knows; not many people realize that Goofy was the inspiration for Jar Jar Binks…
I know that you will look at him differently now. It’s pretty obvious, actually, but, um, I love Goofy and I love Jar Jar.”
In retrospect, this makes a lot of sense in a sad way. Some conspiracy theorists believe that Goofy was based on an African American stereotype, which is interesting. After all, Jar Jar is often viewed as a shameless incarnation of a black Caribbean stereotype. From what Lucas reveals here, he based Jar Jar upon another (possibly) racially stereotyped character. Is the circle complete yet?
Meesa thinks it’s time to relive the deleted scene where Jar Jar dies.
(Via People)
