Recently, columnist and mom Carrie Goldman wrote an essay in Chicago Now about bullying in schools and why parents should start teaching their children as soon as 1st grade how to deal with being bullied. She spoke from the heart, not just because it’s an issue all parents must grapple with, but because her own young daughter Katie was being bullied FOR LIKING STAR WARS!?!
Here’s the excerpt from her article Anti-Bullying Starts in First Grade:
She wailed, “The first grade boys are teasing me at lunch because I have a Star Wars water bottle. They say it’s only for boys. Every day they make fun of me for drinking out of it. I want them to stop, so I’ll just bring a pink water bottle.”
I hugged her hard and felt my heart sink. Such a tender young age, and already she is embarrassed about the water bottle that brought her so much excitement and joy a few months ago.
Is this how it starts? Do kids find someone who does something differently and start to beat it out of her, first with words and sneers? Must my daughter conform to be accepted?
As any Star Wars fan worth his or her weight in midichlorians can tell you, there is no one single “type” of Star Wars fan. Star Wars fans are both genders, all ages, all races and all nationalities.
And not only are there millions of women who love Star Wars, there famous, talented women who love Star Wars like pop star Lady Gaga, country/pop singer Taylor Swift, actress Megan Fox, actress/producer Drew Barrymore, actress/producer/writer Tina Fey, actress Michelle Ryan, comedian/actress Margaret Cho, award-winning actress Helen Mirren, MTV’s own Liz Lee, 90210 actress AnnaLynne McCord, supermodel & reality TV star Adrianne Curry, actress & gamer goddess Felicia Day, Jane Wiedlin from The Go-Go’s, singer Tanya Donelly, Jenny Conlee from The Decemberists, MSNBC news host Rachel Maddow, not to mention all the cool gamer gals in Team Unicorn! And that’s just to name only a few!
Let’s not forget our awesome female actresses in our films & The Clone Wars animated TV series who also love the franchise such as Ahsoka Tano actress Ashley Eckstein (who loved Star Wars so much she started her own sci-fi themed fashion line Her Universe), Aurra Sing actress Jaime King, Padmé Amidala actress Catherine Taber, Barriss Offee actress Meredith Salenger, Asajj Ventress actress Nika Futterman, Shaak Ti actress Tasia Valenza, Duchess Satine actress Anna Graves… just to name a few.
My point is, ladies love Star Wars too, and we should all support their right to geek out just like the guys. Little girls need to know they have every right to pick up a lightsaber as the rest of us.
Star Wars itself is full of strong, independent female characters who wouldn’t have taken any guff from 1st grade boys who clearly don’t know their Star Wars characters.
It’s these female characters like Ahsoka Tano, Princess Leia, Senator Amidala, Aurra Sing, Asajj Ventress, Mon Mothma, Aayla Secura, Barriss Offee, Luminara Unduli, Mara Jade, Darth Talon, Sy Snootles, Zam Wesell, Jocasta Nu, Ackmena, Jaina Solo — and many MANY more — who little girls (and us big girls) can learn a lot from when it comes to being ourselves and fighting for what we believe in.
Kids can be cruel. They’re just trying to figure who they are and the friends they want to hang with. They want to be themselves, but they don’t want to be made fun of for being different. Sometimes standing up for what you love isn’t as easy as it looks when you have a gang of little girls snickering at you or a bunch of boys calling you names for liking something they think is just for them.
I should know. Not only was I bullied all through school for loving Star Wars, Doctor Who and anything else with an awesome robot in it; I decided to write a book about it for other girls who have to deal with bullying called Girls Against Girls: Why We Are Mean to Each Other and How We Can Change.
But here’s how WE as Star Wars fans can help RIGHT NOW:
- Support your kids/nieces/nephews when they say they love Star Wars and The Clone Wars — even if it’s a character you don’t happen to like — *cough*Jar Jar*cough*
- Pay attention to younglings when they look depressed. They might be suffering from bullying at school and could use a Yoda-like ear to talk to.
- Make sure your younglings understand that Star Wars is for guys AND gals.
- Finally, show your support of young Katie who was bullied for having a Star Wars water bottle at school by leaving comments here on the article that started it all and here on this blog entry calling for more geek girl support. Katie’s mom is reading all these supportive comments to her, and I bet she’d love to hear your Jedi-like words of wisdom.
- If you’re on Twitter, show your support of Katie liking Star Wars with the hashtag #MayTheForceBeWithKatie
UPDATE: So many people are leaving supportive comments so they made a second page to leave comments here.
May the Force be with guys AND girls…. always.
Tags: Bullying, Celebrities, Fangirls, Her Universe
Hi Katie, I’m a guy. I’m almost 12, but I get teased alot for liking Star Wars so I can’t bring my action figures or lightsabers outside. I love Star Wars soo much. I think it’s awesome that you like Star Wars. Keep the good work going!
May the force be with you, girl!
GO KATIE!!!!
Sincerely,
Master Dylan
As a longtime Star Wars fan, nobody seemed to pick on me much until 1997 when the original films were re-released in theaters. For the second half of 7th Grade, I was insulted just for being a Star Wars fan, and none of the teachers would do anything about it. Looking back on it, I don’t really hate those antagonists anymore, I pity them. Why? Because they don’t really understand what it means. And now that I am almost 27 years old, I am trying to heal from this psychological abuse. It’s not easy, but I hope never to run into those people again. Those boys who say it’s just for boys are ignorant and ridiculous. I also don’t believe that women (both fictitious and real) should be forced to wear skimpy outfits and dresses.
TYPOS Corrected~
My dear Katie, there’s nothing wrong with being a SW fangirl or different from everyone else. I haven’t been a of Star Wars as long as other girls, but I was and still am of shows that were generally considered boy shows such as Dragonball and Knights of the Zodiac which are Japanese cartoons when I was younger; though I was never bullied for it , I was always conscious of what my peers might think since like you, I was already different than everyone else and only now I realize I’ been. Let me tell you a little secret: We’re all different no matter how alike we may seem and most people, like the boys that pick on you might never realize it and for this reason do hurtful things to those that standout like us . I hope that you show those boys all the support that you’ve gotten so you can share that secret with them and open their eyes… As for you, embrace your differences with PRIDE Padawan , its what makes you special and when you feel down remember that millions of girls & boys got your back.
May The Force Be With You Katie…ALWAYS!<3
Katie,
Girls that love Star Wars are awesome! I have been a fan since I was a little boy. When my daughter was born we used to sit and watch Empire Strikes Back every Saturday and eat waffles. Now that she is 8 she is constantly amazed that none of her friends know who R2D2 is (her favorite character and mine). She has taken it upon herself to introduce her friends to Star Wars and makes them watch the movies when they sleep over. Good luck in school. It will get better, I promise!
Sincerely,
~Tom G.
PS – Your glasses are awesome! Good choice!
You go girl! You pick up that Star Wars water bottle and you tell those little boys to go get lost on Degobah. Stay your course and always stay true to yourself and the things you love. Being a Star Wars fan girl was hard for me too, but I am a rather well adjusted adult even after all the boys teasing me. One day you will find that one boy who thinks it’s cool. I married mine.
Katie,
I am sorry you were made fun of. I want you to know I have been made fun of as well in my life for many things and still am despite being older.
Guess what though, I am still standing and am stronger for it.
I have learned to forgive.
I most importantly learned to be true to myself no matter what anyone else says or thinks. That includes being a huge Star Wars Nerd.
I want you to remember to be yourself, know your not alone, know you matter, and your awesome! I want you to know I believe God makes us all special and unique, you should believe that as well.
He loves you, your parents love you, you have lots of family and friends who love you. Look at all the support you have from all the comments above. You are strong with the force.
Go Star Wars, Go Katie, and May the force be with with us all.
K
Love you Katie the force is with you!!!! Im 38 been a Star Wars fan since the first film much love, haters love to hate keep going forward at light speed!!!
Katie,
I think it is fantastic that you love Star Wars so much. Trust me, those same boys who are making fun of you for liking it now are going to be loving the fact that you like Star Wars in a few years. You are ahead of your time…. and so adorable! You should not change a thing about yourself, you are lovely!!
You cannot worry about what others say. You have to do what makes you happy….as long as it is legal. I have an office at home full of SW stuff and I love the movies more every year, they came out when I was 6. You may want to see if your local 501st or Rebel Legion could come to your class one day…..or meet on a weekend. I can tell you now, not all the male characters, like Clone Troopers, are males in these groups.
Hi Katie
I cant believe this after eading it and I think you are amazing!
Im a boy and im 13 and I have been bullied verbaly and even physacly until I said no more. Since my friends wouldnt accept me for who I am I told everyone I new to either like me for it or leave me alone. Now people respect me and accept me for who I am. Of course there are some people in the world who will never stop but remember if anyone is wrong for liking something then it is them for liking bullying.
May the force be with you and of course I will be wearing something star wars on december 10th
From
Dylan Evans and proud to be me
Katie, I am a huge Star Wars fan! I am 42 years old and have loved Star Wars since the first movie hit the big screen! Those boys are not correct at all! I am also a scientist who works at an Aerospace Corporation. I believe that my love of space and science began with Star Wars! Keep being a Star Wars fan, and be proud of it! GIRLS ROCK!!!!
)
Katie, I was just reading your story to my son (who is a huge Star Wars fan) and didn’t know my daughter was listening. Later she came over and told me she was being bullied too. I knew she was sad but had no idea why. Now that her Dad and I know what’s going on we can help. Thank you so much for sharing your story Katie! You are a true Jedi Warrier. This Thanksgiving I am thankful for you!!
Hey Katie!
It’s awesome that you like Star Wars, and I think it’s even cooler that you’ve got a Star Wars drink bottle – I always wanted one!
Bet those silly boys couldn’t name as many girl Star Wars characters as you can. Next time they say something mean to you about your drink bottle, just remind yourself that they’re just jealous that their mums and dads haven’t bought them a drink bottle that’s nearly as awesome as yours is.
I was lucky, because when I went to school, everybody’s favourite film was The Phantom Menace, so I knew that Star Wars was okay. It was only a few really extra-silly people who didn’t like that I liked it in Intermediate (that’s sorta like Middle School), but eventually they realised that they’d been extra-silly, they said sorry, and I made friends with those people in the end; one day, you might too. By the time I got to High School, even though it was an all-girls school, they were as hyped as I was for The Attack of the Clones – some of my classmates even saw it more times at the movies than I did, and a few of them got to go to the special early midnight screenings!
You just keep being you, and don’t change that just to fit in, because otherwise you’re not being the best you you could possibly be: Right now, the best you there is is a seriously fantastic little girl who likes Star Wars. And that’s a girl I’d love to call my friend.
May the Force be with you.
Hi Katie,
You are awesome! I am old enough to be your grandmother and when I was alot younger, I stood in a long line at the movie theatre to see the very first showing of Star Wars. My friends and I, both boys and girls, loved it so much that we went back to see it 4 more times the same week!
I can see by your picture that you are a beautiful, happy girl. Don’t let the bullies get you down…they don’t matter. What you think and care about is the only important thing and remember, it gets better, Katie!
I’m a 35 year old comic artist and a proud Star Wars geek since day 1!
Katie’s story inspired me to draw up this little gift for her:
http://jackademus.deviantart.com/art/Padawan-Katie-187408563
I hope she gets hold of it, and I hope the bullies responsible get to see this overwhelming response to the story.
Katie, if you read this, never, NEVER let a bully get you down. You have much to be proud of and you can do whatever YOU want with your life.
May the force be with you, sweetheart.
Jack Lawrence
Katie, hun, you don’t have to change. No matter what people tell you what’s right and what’s wrong, all that matters is what you love. Stay strong little one. For no one can ever change your heart even if they try. Never forget, differences are what make us stronger. May the force be with you and let it guide you to your dreams.
Found this site: http://www.licensing.biz/news/6377/BOYS-MONTH-Lucas-planning-more-Star-Wars-action-in-2011?m=posted#comments
I think this is a huge part of the problem. Please comment on their site to let them know that consumers don’t want gender profiling in children’s demographics. Let them know that it is good business to sell Lego, Star Wars, and other toys to girls. It increases their consumer pool!
Katie!
That made me soo mad! I looove Star Wars soo much, if you want that water bottle go ahead and use it! Those kids don’t know what their talking about! Good to know there are more Girls out there like me:) Good luck girl!
Hi Katie!
It makes me sad and angry that people treat you badly because of you liking Star Wars.
When I was a kid, I got bullied to by people who for some reason didn’t like that I attended drama classes and playing instruments. But I stood my ground and believed in myself.
And I’m so glad that I never gave up on my hobbies, because they are part of me.
There are always going to be people around that aren’t nice to you, it’s sad but true. But believe in yourself. No matter what anybody tells you. It is what you like and what makes you happy that is really important.
All the way from Sweden. A big happy thanksgiving to you and your family and may the force always be with you!
Hi Katie!
While I myself am not as much of a Star Wars fan as I wish I could be (I still enjoy it nonetheless), I have two friends – one my age (high school) and one who was my former English teacher in high school who both LOVE Star Wars and are both girls. There is NO way it’s just for guys, (I’m sure everyone’s said that by now though), and I think it is unacceptable for these boys to be saying so.
At this age, I know bullying is pretty rampant, and it can be a total pain, but I believe in you! Stick with it, keep your Star Wars pride high, and may the Force be with you!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving, Katie–stay strong, young lady!! I know, it’s tough to be a kid your age with the kind of bullying that’s still out there…I was bullied and pushed around when I was your age so I definitely know where you’re coming from. Not just because I liked “Star Wars” (which I did and still do!) but because I liked things that were DIFFERENT from everybody else in general. It’s never easy being a kid, huh?
Then I saw “Return of the Jedi” on my 10th birthday! What it taught me was that good will always win out in the end (: And it DOES always win out in the end! Be proud of who you are, and not just because you’re a Star Wars fan…be proud for just being you and that there’s nobody out there who can take that away!!
Han Solo laughed at Luke for believing in the Force, but Luke continued on with pride. Embrace being different and never let anyone bring you down.
Hey Katie!
Just wanted to let you know how many people’s lives you have changed! I’ve been reading about your story all over the internet! Thousands of people have been leaving you messages of encouragement. I will definantly be wearing a Star Wars shirt on December 10 and I will dontate a Star Wars toy to Toys for Tots. The toy will be labeled “FOR A BOY OR GIRL” in capital letters so everyone can see it! I am sorry those boys were mean to you, all of us have been bullied and we all know how you feel. Stay strong and keep loving Star Wars. “The force will be with you . . . always”
P.S. Be sure to come visit us at heruniverse.com It’s a Star Wars website for girl Star Wars fans! We’d love to have you visit sometime!
May the force be with you!
-Dutchess Satine Kenobi
Katie,
It’s nice to know that there is a kid like you in the world that can appreciate such a wonderful film. It’s okay to like Star Wars kido… my family and I have loved Star Wars since we were your age and still do. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can not like. Only you can pick and choose your hobbies and interest in things. Just stay strong and love what you love no matter what anyone else thinks. I’m 23 years old and I’m proud to say,”I am a Star Wars fan!” I always will be and on the 10th of December I’ll be wearing my R2D2 shirt just for you!
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!!!
Heya Katie!
I’m a college girl, and I love Star Wars, and I know a lot of other girls that love Star Wars. The boys are just jealous that you’re cooler than they are.
Don’t let them get you down. Keep drinking from that Star Wars water bottle. Pride in yourself, you must have.
~Love, Crimm
Don’t stop bringing that star wars water bottle to school, be proad of who you are.
Besides, I for one think its awesome that you like star wars and I hope you never give up on being a fan.
May the force be with you =D
Katie, I absolutely admire and adore your strong personality and sense of self. You are obviously a really precious, unique girl with a rock solid idea of individuality and it seems like you know how to enjoy things because they make YOU happy, not because somebody else said it was cool. So many boys and girls your age totally define who they are based on what other people say… And how will they ever be happy if they aren’t really themselves?! Changing to a pink water bottle might make the boys stop teasing, but if you like your Star Wars bottle Katie, continuing to bring it to school will build a shield of confidence far stronger than what you’d get from letting them “win”. It can be hard to stand strong and defend such a bright light as your spirit Katie
but you can do it. My older sister was always just like you in
school, she wanted to be an astronaut, she LOVED Star Wars, and she had a book signed by Roberta Bondar that she always kept in her desk. The boys in her class bullied her terribly for it, but she stood strong and continued to share her love of space and Star Wars and science with whoever would have it. She is now a PhD in molecular genetics and neuroscience, and she LOVES her work… And most importantly, she is surrounded by equally wonderful people who appreciate all the things she does. And do you know what? Those boys that bullied her so badly, confessed years later that they thought she was so smart and cute and cool, and were just intimidated that she knew more than them! So Katie, know that if you stick strong to who you are and the things that bring you happiness, your certainty and confidence will protect you and break apart the power of bullying. Those boys are just intimidated that a sweet girl like you can rock the Star Wars gear with more attitude than they can! You are just more maturity, individuality, and personality than they even know what to do with… And how AWESOME is that?! It is so hard to see or believe in it now, but I promise you Katie, you already have what REALLY matters. Believe in that.
The world has so much respect and admiration for you Katie, stay strong, love yourself, and never give up that water bottle
Hi Katie
We have all had our issues with bullies at one time or another. If this teaches you anything its that there are thousands of people that are like you and think like you and like questionably the best story told just like you.
I’m 33 i was born the same year as star wars was released. I am happy to say that my favorite memories of childhood are playing star wars. Either in the backyard on Hoth in the winter or on Endor in the woods at the end of our street in the summer and yes the other kids had something to say but the important thing is you have to do what makes you happy.
Star Wars has had a tremendus impact on my life in so many ways. For a long time i didn’t think i could read until i tore a ligament skateboarding at 19. Just so happens Star Wars special edition was released a month later (Han shot first) so in my gimpy legged state me and my brother (also a huge SW fan) we to see them. It was Awesome to A New Hope on the big screen. It renewed my love of that galaxy far far away. The next day i search the house from top to bottom for a Star Wars book my mom had bought me a few years earlier. It took most of the day but i did find it and it took me two days to read Heir to the Empire a 404 page book. I was amazed that i could read and not only that but at how fast i had read that book and at how great the book was and that one of my new favorite characters was a girl name Mara Jade.
Now with the Clone Wars cartoons the list of amazing women in the galaxy grows each week.
Its awesome that your a Star Wars fan i’m proud to have you as a fellow fan and offer my support dont let anyone change you only change if its what you truely want to do.
To everyone else who posted thats awesome that we as fans have such a great and supportive community. I read so many great and wonderful things posted here i actually had a tear a couple of times.
May the Force be with us All.
Hi Katie,
I’m a 11 year old boy that is a nerd about Star Wars. I know so much about Star Wars everybody knows me by “Star Wars nerd”. It’s hard to be called that and take it as a feeling. As a matter of fact, iv’e been beat up a few times for liking Star Wars. Though they might just be jealous of you for liking Star Wars, because your a girl. They might just want you to loose your stride of liking Star Wars. But don’t feel bad, just ignore it. My entire room is star wars, my clothing is star wars, I even make my own star wars pancakes and waffles! Don’t change yourself just because everyone makes fun of you,just embrace yourself and stand up for yourself and star wars. I’m not a fan of the clone wars, but I do know know a lot about the 1-6 episodes.
Just stick with what you believe in and you may turn out to be as wise as Obi-Wan.
may the force be with you Katie
Hi Katie,
I’m 40 years old and have loved Star Wars nearly my entire life. My sister loves Star Wars (even my 65 year old mom watches Star Wars any time she can) One of my favorite Star Wars characters is still Princess Leia and not because of the “gold slave outfit.”
The Princess never once backed down from a challenge, She even gave Darth Vader the what for in Star Wars. Many men coward in fear of Darth Vader, but the Princess never showed any fear.
Bullies are just big babies, that have to pick on someone cool in order to feel better about themselves. I hope you keep bringing your Star Wars water bottle to school with you. Show those bullies you are not afraid of them or Darth Vader!
May The Force Be With You, always.
Hi I’m a guy. In this state there is a lot of people who think star wars is stupid. I have a group of friends that like it as much as you do. If you want advice. First of all those kids who harrase you don’t let them put you down find friends. Ignore the bullies and they will stop bulling you. P.S witch star wars movie you like.
May the force be with you.
may the force be with you!!.Think of those guys as darth vader as leia you can defeat them i mean she did in return of the jedi good luck
love,
james talada the first
Katie
I am 12 and I LOVE starwars. Ever since I first saw my dad play a video game about it when I was 4. I love the toy brand galactic heroes. At first u was afraid to talk about it with my freinds but it turns out they love starwars too! You are great and so is the water bottle
Katie, don’t pay any attention to those other kids. I was bullied as a kid as well, but you know what? I grew out of it, and now I’m awesome. Be strong. There are so many girls out there that love Star Wars, me included!
dear Katie and all other children whom have been bullied for being themselves; it will get better. i was bullied a lot for my style and honesty when i was in elementary and middle school, they would call me names and even the boys would pick physical fights with me. they were the worst years of my life so far, because i lost a lot of myself trying to fit in, and even then i still was teased. i am now 16, i have bright blue hair, a septum ring (considered a ‘masculine’ piercing), i wear the one ring around my neck, and i gladly sport goodwill clothing with my Harley boots. i am comfortable in my own skin and nobody picks on me, not because im tough or mean, because im confident in myself.
i know it is hard, but being yourself isn’t always easy.
happy holidays. stephanie.
Katie~
I love star wars and just because we are girls, we can like anything we like. From Aurra Sing to jedi master Yoda, NEVER give up!!! If boys still make fun of you, tell them, “I can like Star Wars if I want to.” If they still make fun of you, tell your teacher. It really works! May the force be with you!
~Katie B.
P.S. It’s cool that we share a name
Hey Katie, I’m 18 and I love Star Wars. No one makes fun of you for liking Star wars when you get older, and us boys can get stupid and overly immature. I kinda went though the same thing when I was in middle school, but then my peers and I were brougth up a bit differently then you are now. Either way I know how you feel, and the best advice I can give you would be to just smile and ignore it. Eventually they’ll lose interest and move onto something else. Don’t know if thats the best advice for you, but thats the best I can come up with.
May the force be with you!
Hi Katie
Its horrid that kids are treating you badly in school for liking the best show ever created! my only advice would be to ignore them and tell them that star wars is not just for boys as far as im concerned there are more and more female starwars charecters than male. so i hope that helps.
Aden Saber
Katie don’t worry about those kids, they’re probably just jealous that they don’t have that cool Star Wars water bottle and backpack too! There’s nothing wrong with girls liking Star Wars or anything else Sci-Fi related, ignore them and they’ll stop (if they haven’t already) because they’ll see it doesn’t bother you. There’s nothing wrong with being different, we all are, it’s what makes us special; each and every one of us!
Stand up for yourself Katie……BE STRONG, and dont give in….You only live once, do it the way YOU WANT TOO…
Stay strong….You have a million people behind you sweetheart…….
It’s sad that children can’t enjoy the things they are passionate about, out of fear of bullies. I know the pressure from other kids isn’t easy, and that giving into that pressure seems to make sense. Star Wars was a ground breaking movie for women. Princess Leia may have fallen on hard times, but she stood strong for her beliefs, and didn’t let her bullies tell her who she was. It’s important to have such a strong woman as a role model. I hope that Katie continues to find inspiration from the movies and enjoys them her entire life. I hope she doesn’t let the opinions of a few people ever stop her in those things which she is passionate about. Good luck Katie. The Force is strong with you
I cant belive people would do that im Donovan im 12 I love star wars its one of the greatest movies of all time! But why would they do that there are lots of girls in star wars many even destroyed boys. Its great you like star wars!
-Master Donovan
Katie, I’m sorry those kids bugged you about Star Wars! I’m a woman and I have LOVED Star Wars ever since the very first movie came out back in 1977. My dad and I sat through 2 showings of the movie in the theater. And my name is Leah, so I called myself (and got called) Princess Leah for a long time when I was a kid. It is totally OKAY to like things differently from other kids and to like things that some say are only for boys. (And people are wrong when they say something is for boys only!!!!!) Please know there are LOTS of people out there supporting you to be the person you want to be, not what others want. I have a daughter about your age, and I want for her to like the things she wants to like without worrying about what others think too. It’s tough being different! But it makes life more interesting in the long run. Good luck and stay strong! May the Force be with you!
Hello, Katie!
I’m from Portugal, and I’m 13. There are few people that like Star Wars or watched a movie from the saga and in my school, some friends say I’m nerd, but I can’t start hating my favorite movies and TV shows only because some friends say I only think on that. You know that they just say that because they are simply stupid, a few years later you will see that thing of a girl liking SW is just so normal as a boy liking it.
All weeks I watch a new episode form the clone wars, I read SW comics, and I play the videogames and no one will stop me from being a huge fan.
Althouh I’m leaving, the Force will be with you, always.
Hello. I think you shouldn’t give up on Star Wars because some kids are teasing you. I am a boy and I won’t say how old I am lets just say I am a kid. I think it is awsome tohave girls around who like Star Wars. That is somthing you can realate to later in life with another person. You should neve give up and that is all I have to say for now.
May the force be with you, always!
Katie-
My name’s Mariah, and I’m 13 years old. I may be a little older than you, but we share the same problem: Star Wars tease. I’ve loved Star Wars for a while, and I just want to say this – you rock. Make sure to bring that Star Wars water bottle to school EVERY DAY. A good friend of mine makes fun of a kid at our school because he wears Lego SW shirts. My friend doesn’t know I like Star Wars, and I’m not sure I want to tell him I do. But now that I’ve read this, I’ll tell him – for both of us.
~ Master Mariah
hey katie,
im 12 and just stared my first year of middle school I can still rember when I was your age and being made fun for be a fan of star wars it hurts but than i rembered watching episode 4 and luke having no frinds on tattowen and that realy helped me get through is just thank about leia or padma somtimes it will help
may the force be with you
jacob
My guess is that, even as young as first grade, geeky boys are being told by their peers that their geekiness makes them insufficiently masculine. So they, in turn, bully geeky girls with the message that sci fi, fantasy, science, and math are *exclusively* masculine pursuits. Someone needs to tell those boys that, in about 20 years, they’ll be very thankful for girls who love Star Wars!
hang in there Katie
I was super into Dinosaurs,legos, and Star Wars when I was little both of which some people considered for guys. Fortunately I had an awesome mom (like you) who thought these things were for everybody.
Now I’m married and my husband loves all the same things I do and is happy I didn’t compromise my interests just because they were supposedly for guys only
I think you are a brave girl for sticking to your guns on this topic. I’m 38 yrs. old and love Star Wars forever. I’m a member of the 501st Legion costumeing club. I have two children of my own that love Star Wars too. My daughter is 8 yrs. old and my son is 6 yrs. old and they don’t seem to have any problems in school but I think it’s because their friends are all fans as well. I hope that the word that Star Wars is for everyone gets around so what happened to you does not happen to anyone else. I do have alot of respect for you and your parents for standing up to the bullying that happened.