The Original Trilogy brought me into the world of Star Wars but growing up meant I would fall in love with the Prequels. They are immaculate in their depiction of the sociological tragedy of Institutional Decay.
Ivory Tower: The Jedi Order
There is no doubt that the Jedi Council is the ultimate elite of society. They reside on a literal tower above Coruscant, where the public cannot reach. They are like the MLB Commissioner’s Office of their galaxy.
Their decisions lie upon Dogma, not Data. A prime example of this is when Anakin Skywalker is rejected because he doesn’t follow the “traditional path” of a Jedi. Qui-Gon Jinn pleads for the Council to reconsider, revealing how Anakin is an outlier with generational talent and potential (immeasurable Midi-chlorian count). Again, the Council rejects Anakin because they think he is “too old” and has “attachments.” This reminds me of rigid hiring procedures or entrance exams in Korea. What’s considered most important is maintaining the “system” instead of looking at the “needs” of individuals.
The Iron Cage
Max Weber famously coined the term “Iron Cage” when describing how bureaucracies trap individuals in a fixed system through rationality and control. Instead of being peacekeepers, The Jedi got trapped in their own cage, becoming politicians and generals sitting above the people. They couldn’t even see the Sith Lord sitting right in front because they were too busy looking at their Jedi Code.
Anakin Isn’t a Failure, He Is a “System” Failure
Ever since I was brought into the world of Star Wars, I never understood why Anakin was viewed as a villain who had been corrupted by the Sith. I saw him as a student failed by the system, a talent that yearned for compliment but was chastised in return. We see this when Yoda gives him the platitude: “Let go of everything you fear to lose.” Why would you say that to someone fearing losing someone they love (Padmé)? Yoda is never going to be a good mental health coach. It’s like saying “Just study harder” to a struggling student.
Palpatine didn’t cause the fall of the Republic, the Jedi Order did when they stopped learning. They were Gatekeepers, not Skywalkers (explorers). I take this as a warning lesson. Whether it’s in the Truth Review, college, or workplace, an institution collapses and begins to die when they cannot accept the changing reality. Nothing else defeated the Jedi, only themselves who refused to adapt.