Dear Ellen,

I have watched Star Wars: The Clone Wars since I was 10 years old. It’s the program that I love more than any other show on TV. I’m 14 years old now, and in my country, and in my school, The Clone Wars is considered a program for children. I think that’s horrible. I am a fan of anime and manga and everyone knows this, but I am a closet fan of The Clone Wars, because I think that my classmates will laugh at me if they know I like it. My connection with my classmates is complicated, and I think it would be worse if they knew. What do you recommend?
 
Closet Clone Wars Fan

 

Dear Closet Clone Wars Fan:

 

I understand why you are a fan of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, as it is a terrific show, and I’m sure we’re all sorry to see it end. I don’t know which country you are from, but even here in the United States, there are people who also believe that the Clone Wars are only for kids. This is likely because they have never seen the show, and they assume that all animated TV shows, especially those that are aired on Saturday mornings, are for children. They often believe this simply because such shows are marketed for children. However, all of us who have seen the Clone Wars know that its storylines and themes can be appreciated by all ages.

 

I’m sorry to hear that you feel you have to hide your love for the show from your classmates. Please know that there is nothing wrong with you for liking the things that you like. Each of us has interests and passions that make us special and that set us apart from others. Unfortunately, sometimes being set apart in this way can be painful, especially when we want to fit in. However, if you can find the courage to be sure of yourself and of the things that you like, then others will have no reason to doubt you.

 

It sounds like you felt confident enough to share your passion for anime and manga with your classmates. I’m wondering if this is because you already knew other anime and manga fans or because you knew people who accepted your passion for them. Either way, perhaps you could introduce Star Wars: The Clone Wars to your friends or to other anime and manga fans and show them that it includes universal themes such as good vs. evil, underdogs becoming heroes, redemption, loyalty, and love, that resonate with most people. Exposing your friends to the show and acknowledging that you like it may help them see that it is not just for kids.

 

If you are confident in your love for the show, and you can stay strong even if your classmates laugh at you, then those around you might see that there isn’t anything to laugh about. Of course, this is easier said than done, and confidence has to be found within. Please know that there are many teenagers and adults here in the U.S. and elsewhere who are big fans of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and who are proud of this fact. Perhaps by connecting with other fans here on Her Universe, on Starwars.com, or on other fan pages, you can find support so that you can be less afraid of expressing your love for the show. At the same time, if you are brave enough to express your appreciation for the Clone Wars at your school and in your country, you might make it safer for other friends or classmates who also might secretly want to express their fanhood too.

 

Wishing you all the best,

Ellen

 

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Name of the Fangirl: Teresa

Fangirl’s Occupation: Retired High School Teacher

What is her fangirl interest?

Star Wars

Why did you decide to shine the spotlight on this fangirl?

I have enjoyed being a geek all my life and am not letting age change that.

How does this fangirl express her fandom?

I like to represent the characters of Star Wars at events with children of all ages, including doing Mon Mothma at Disney Star Wars Weekends. I enjoy constructing all my costumes from scratch and have done 11 different ones from Star Wars and a couple of Renn dresses. Making the costumes screen accurate is a challenge I enjoy. I am a member of the New England Garrison of the 501st and Alderaan Base of the Rebel Legion.

What is her favorite quote or personal motto?

“Be mindful of the present” …and be positive and encouraging to others.

What is her favorite fangirl item that she cannot live without?

My love of bringing smiles to SW fans.

 

Name of the Fangirl: Marie

 

Fangirl’s Occupation: Holistic Health Practitioner

 

What is her fangirl interest?

STAR WARS! The Dark Crystal.

 

Why did you decide to shine the spotlight on this fangirl?

She’s my favorite Stormtrooper…and my Wife

 

How does this fangirl express her fandom?

She’s a Stormtrooper in the 501st Legion and the Central California Garrison’s Charity Rep. She also has a little green ‘Yoda car’.

 

What is her favorite quote or personal motto?

Do or do not, there is no try.

 

What is her favorite fangirl item that she cannot live without?

She said, “My own personal Sith Lord in shiny durasteel.” Me (her husband), while I’m Vader.

 

 

 

 

Name of the Fangirl: Melody

Fangirl’s Schhol Grade: College

What is her fangirl interest?

Star Wars

Why did you decide to shine the spotlight on this fangirl?

Melody loves Star Wars so much that she now has many of her classmates coming over in weekends to watch Star Wars with her. She narrates, makes commentary, divulges so many tidbits of info during each showing! She is a Star Wars Advocate!

How does this fangirl express her fandom?

Weekly showings of Star Wars at our home ( both the classic shows and the Clone Wars)
T-Shirts all have a Star Wars reference.
She compares real life scenarios to situations from the show-(and it usually fits pretty well,)

What is her favorite quote or personal motto?

‘Do or do not! There is no try!’

What is her favorite fangirl item that she cannot live without?

Her Star Wars Clone Wars downloads on her iPad!

Where can we follow her online?

Facebook- Melody Elizabeth Kolb
Twitter- KolbMelody

Name of the Fangirl: Mackenzie

Fangirl’s School Grade: 6th Grade

What is her fangirl interest?

Mackenzie’s first love is Star Wars and The Clone Wars. Her favorite of the movies is Episode II: Attack of the Clones and her favorite character in the Star Wars Universe is Ahsoka Tano of the Clone Wars TV series. In addition to Star Wars, she loves superhero movies like Thor, Iron Man and The Avengers! She loves Black Widow. Outside of SyFy, Mackenzie loves horses and dancing and acting in her theater group. Her greatest desire is to one day have a role in a Star Wars movie!

Why did you decide to shine the spotlight on this fangirl?

Mackenzie is my oldest daughter and has a deep love for all things geek (that Mommy and Daddy will let her watch at this age.

How does this fangirl express her fandom?

Acting out her favorite Star Wars scenes with her little sister, Emily. And making up new scenes.

What is her favorite quote or personal motto?

Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. – Yoda

What is her favorite fangirl item that she cannot live without?

Her Ahsoka Tano action figure collection.