A New Hope

Opinion by Gabriel Strasbaugh

A global pandemic and racial injustice have divided and clouded our country for almost an entire calendar year. With the Centers for Disease Control recording over 400,000 lives lost, 300 million plus Americans are left wondering how their futures will be formed and shaped. 

Our nations divide from hatred and racism is as clear as today as it was in the 2009 film “Gran Torino.” And now more than ever is a need for a hero to save the day like the destiny of a Jedi bringing balance to the force in the Mandalorian series.    

 No Man Left Behind

“Gran Torino” serves as a reminder to those who watch it that the demographic of our society is constantly changing every day. For retired Vietnam veteran Walt Kowalski, played by Clint Eastwood, life has taken a turn for the worst in his eyes. Shortly after losing his wife, Kowalski’s relationship with his family is nothing short of a war zone similar to his time spent fighting in the military.

Many Americans in 2021 are now having to deal with a possibly unexpected loss of loved ones from a virus that has shaken this country to its core. Just like Kowalski after his wife’s funeral, many Americans either are or feel alone. In a way, they remain trapped within the confines of their homes to escape the horrors that have been brought to life by the issues that separate us as one society. 

For years, Kowalski’s past experiences from war and family came to haunt him at his darkest times. None other than the time when the Hmong family of Vietnamese descent proceeded to call home next door to Kowalski. Given his past, Kowalski did not take too kindly to his new neighbors as a barrage of racial slurs such as “gook,” “chink” and “spook” along with many others, define some of the core issues of today’s society. 

Sparking a Change

This summer, America saw one of the more gruesome days in our Nation’s history when a man named George Floyd lost his life from an act of hatred driven by the fuel and fire of racism. Such an event sparked a movement in the streets all across our cities, demanding justice and preaching the importance of equality for all, regardless of your background. 

Just as racism engulfs our country today, the story of “Gran Torino” is no different. Similar to how the murder of Floyd sparked a message and need of change on how different cultures live together, Kowalski’s life changing moment came to his door when his prized 1972 Gran Torino was nearly stolen by members of the Hmong family named Thao. 

Rather than proceeding with violence, Kowalski, with the help of Thao’s sister Sue, gave Thao the opportunity to redeem himself after the attempted robbery by allowing him to work around his property and lending a hand to the old man. 

As time goes on, Kowalski’s barrier of racism in his heart slowly begins to be torn down piece by piece. An example of this in the film is when Kowalski sees Sue being harassed on the side of the road by three young African American men. Rather than letting the situation unfold by itself, Kowalski steps in to assure her safety. 

Despite intimidation efforts by one of the harassers, Kowalski stands his ground. “Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while that you shouldn’t have fucked with? That’s me.” Kowalski said. After toying with and leaving the men confused with his comment, Kowalski gained an upper hand and retrieved his concealed pistol from his coat pocket. 

With the situation under control, Kowalski demands the men leave Sue alone. He tells Sue to get in his truck so he can return her home safely. “Take care now,” Kowalski says as he leaves the men on the side of the road.  

The act spoke volumes to the development of Kowalski’s character and how saving someone from a dangerous situation, regardless of their skin, is a step in the right direction. A direction that America so desperately needs to see.

Return of the Jedi

Just as Sue was saved by the most unlikely of heroes, America is in need of a new hope. A peacekeeper if you will. Similar to another recent pop culture reference, the story of “The Mandalorian” highlights the savior our society needs. 

For generations, the story of “Star Wars” has been one of hope and balance in a galaxy at war. With our country in the midst of an uncivil war, “Return of the Jedi” is needed now more than ever. 

“The Mandalorian” saw the “Return of the Jedi” in the season two finale with the return of Luke Skywalker. A welcomed return from one of the galaxy’s greatest heroes. Skywalker’s return marked a turning point for the franchise. The revival of a series that gave many fans hope that good will once again bring balance to the force. 

A nation torn at its core, now sits at unrest by an unbalance of good and evil. We as a country, must now choose our own destiny. As one or divided. The choice is ours.      

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