(New material added...) As a person of color myself (vaguely resembling Lando, maybe), I take note of the people of color in the Star Wars saga. I think it's appropriate to consider it because of stupid criticisms and accusations of racism, perhaps due to the Jar Jar Binks thing?

Well, to look at that and cry racism seems rather narrow-minded. For one thing, Jar Jar is an idiot among his own people, too--most of them don't act like him. He's an outcast because of the way he acts--like a buffoon, not because he's some stereotype. His people were sophisticated and wise, despite having prejudices of their own. In the end, Jar Jar's presence made a big difference for a lot of people. He's there to show, much like the theme in Episode IV, that one person can make a difference.

One can also look at the other characters in Episode I. Captain Panaka had a major role as security chief, a brave and sure fighter for Naboo's freedom. Mace Windu was Senior Member of the Jedi Council! Second to Yoda in authority! Adi Gallia, Depa Billaba--also people of color on the Council. I think it would be safe to say that the Star Wars galaxy is a diverse place.

Captain Typho in Episode II, Jango and Boba Fett--all people of color. Think of it--the template for the Emperor's army, a key piece of his ultimate plan, was a person of color. Profound that Jango and Boba proved themselves very talented. Unfortunate that Mace is the one that has to kill Jango, but...that's another story.

Mace Windu figures prominently in Episode III--the one Jedi who probably had the best chance of killing Palpatine. It's not lost on me that the Prequel Trilogy has a way of repeating themes from the Original Trilogy. In the Original Trilogy, Lando Calrissian--the 'token black' in those films--plays a critical role in saving the day and survives in the end. Whereas Mace Windu--the most prominent black person in the Prequels--plays a prominent role, but dies in the end.

I think the rise of the Empire definitely signifies a destroying of the diversity that makes the Republic--and the galaxy--a better place. The Imperial officers we see in IV-VI are all white, to put it bluntly. The Emperor, of course, doesn't even allow non-humans in the hierarchy, with the exception of Thrawn. It does make one wonder, are the same prejudices that sadly divide humanity in our galaxy a source of division in the Star Wars galaxy? Or are humans more tolerant of the different shades of each other and just prejudiced against non-humans?

I personally hate the fact that humanity divides itself into all these different shades of color when we're really all the same, all connected. "What happens to one of you will affect the other. You must understand this." It takes until Return of the Jedi to really see how diverse the Rebel Alliance is, and I think seeing that is a sign of the galaxy's return to a more equal place--or at least the potential of it with the Republic's restoration.

***Oh--I almost forgot to mention Bail Organa, Leia's adoptive father, was a person of color. How big is THAT to overlook? Sorry, Jimmy Smits! You have one of the coolest lines in the movie. "Hopefully, we can intercept a few Jedi before they walk into this catastrophe."***

Anyway, I hope this doesn't spark trouble, but that's alright if it does--something like this is bound to do so. I'd like to hear your ideas on this if you have any. Fire away.