So, as my mind is apt to wonder, I got to thinking about another young lad, in a galaxy far, far away. His name was Anakin Skywalker. In some ways, he was a typical young man, but in other ways not so much. He was an at-risk young man who ultimately fell victim to his inner demons, becoming an addict. Unfortunately, as is the case with addiction, he wasn't the only victim. In fact, in the Star Wars world, his addiction led to an untold number of victims.
From what I see here is his progression:
At-Risk Adolescent
- He was born into slavery. Not only did he have to mind his mom, but ultimately, he had to mind their master. In other words, he had little control or say.
- When he won his freedom, with the help of Obi-Wan, he was not able to win the freedom of his mom. Once again, little control. He was happy to have his freedom, but he took on a greater fear too.
- Upon winning his freedom and going with Obi-Wan, he was thrust into a galactic conflict. As a matter of fact, once Obi-Wan crossed his path, he probably lost his ability to stay out of the conflict. Definitely once they ran across Darth Maul, he was destined to be part of the conflict. In other words, he lost his ability to stay neutral. That is he lost control again.
- When Senator Palpatine aka "The Emperor" took a strong interest in him, he was effectively, unbeknownst to others, in the sights of a predator. Effectively, the Senator was in a position to 'groom' Anakin towards the Dark Side. This is yet another degree of control he had unknowingly lost.
Transition or Turning Point(s)
- He had visions of his mom's suffering. This tormented him and helped feed his feeling of helpless. These visions helped him from being at risk and an impending addict.
- When he was finally in a position to address his mom's situation, he discovered that she was in trouble. Furthermore, he eventually discovered that he was too late to help her. Her fate had been sealed. His fear was fully realized and his anger was engaged. His addiction to anger and power had finally started to be engaged.
- While he had wished for power (control), he had accepted that he did not have it or shouldn't try to seize it. Seeing his mom tortured and left to die at the hands of the sand people pushed him over the edge for the first time. He engaged his anger addiction, a prelude to his addiction for power (control).
- It wasn't just those who abused his mom that suffered as a result, but it was the innocents among them that faced his wrath. He not only killed the warriors responsible, but he wiped out the whole village of Sand People. It this point, he was on a collision course with his anger addiction.
- Senator Palpatine reveals to Anakin his knowledge of The Dark Side and later that he is a Sith Lord. He first reveals to Anankin the legend of Darth Plageuis, who supposedly could cheat death of those he cared about. This fed right into Anakin's desire to protect Padme from dying, unlike that which he didn't with his own mom.
Full-Blown Addict
- After Anakin informed Windu and three other members of the Jedi Council of Palpatine's true identity, they come to arrest the Senator. Palpatine quickly dispatches the other three and engages Windu. Windu gets the upper hand and when Anakin arrives he pleads with him to spare Palpatine. When it is clear Windu will not. Anakin panics striking Windu to leave him helpless and Palpatine dispenses with him.
- Anakin's fear got the best of him. He is afraid with Palpatine's death will come his inability to protect and save Padme. In a moment of weakness, he 'acts out' and helps the Sith Lord.
- Gripped by what he has done and that he effectively chosen sides he takes his place as Palpatine's apprentice, that is of a young Sith Lord loyal to his Sith Master, becoming Darth Vader.
- Anakin is compelled then to destroy the Jedi with a contingent, including attacking the Temple and slaughtering all including the younglings. His conversion is complete. He not only protected the Emperor, but is doing his bidding. He is effectively going on bender like a full-blown addict, embracing his role as Darth Vader.
- Anakin takes his place besides the Emperor, ruling the galaxy with an iron hand and wiping out those who pose a threat.
Recovery
- Anakin (aka Darth Vader) throughout Episodes IV to VI is forced to confront his who he has become. He is forced to face that fact that he has turned his back on his offspring.
- As he confronts his son Luke, he hesitates for a moment. He still fights his son, but it is becoming increasingly clear that he is conflicted. Even the Emperor senses that and goads him to prove his loyalty to him.
- In the climax the Emperor gets a hold of Luke and is in the process of destroying him with his Force Lightening. After hesitation, Dark Vader, once again become a 'good guy' again. He takes Emperor Palpatine and tosses him to his apparent death, redeeming himself.
- Effectively in a moment, Anakin has began the road to recovery.
- He died shortly thereafter, and as evidenced by his showing up as a Force Ghost, his recovery and redemption was complete.
I believe each of us has a story within us. Few as profound as the life and time and the path of Anakin Skywalker, but nontheless, we have our moments in time, our path. I believe we have our times in which we are disposed to make bad choices, a turning point in which we are poised make a bad choice or two or many, a decision or push to make those bad choices and an opportunity for redemption. For most people, the path is not that severe. For many it is a small path. But, for some it is a big path which encompasses our lives.
Each of us has our own inner Anakin. Invariably we will make a bad choice or two or two dozen or so. However, what ultimately determines who we are in not necessarily the bad choices we make, but how we choose to redeem ourselves. Do we choose to go along the bad path or to right ourselves. We can have others guide us along the way, but only we can make the final decision.
Just some thoughts and my 200th blog post.
- Rich
