https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-persecution-of-kelly-marie-tran-how-star-wars-fandom-became-overrun-by-alt-right-trolls

On Monday night, the Twitter account Star Wars Facts tweeted out that Star Wars: The Last Jedi’s Kelly Marie Tran, the first woman of color to land a leading role in the mega-popular franchise, had “deleted all the posts off her Instagram due to months of harassment she has received for her character Rose in ‪#TheLastJedi‪.”

And while it’s probably not advisable to get all of your franchise news from Star Wars Facts, this depressing update checks out for a number of reasons. Tran’s Instagram does appear to be scrubbed, robbing online trolls of a forum they once used to personally attack the actress. Now, the only evidence of life on her social media account is her bio: “Afraid, but doing it anyway.”

So how did a breakout role in an incredibly influential film end in fear and self-censorship? For anyone who’s been following recent trends within the Star Wars fandom, this outcome would actually be fairly predictable; in fact, given the racism, misogyny, and general toxicity that’s built up around the franchise, it’s impressive that Tran was able to last this long. Like so many other assholes, bigoted Star Wars fans have recently become emboldened, emerging from the chrysalises of racist Reddit threads as ubiquitous, bullshit-spouting butterflies. They’ve spread their social media wings, starting Twitter campaigns and harassment initiatives in the hopes of ensuring that white men’s voices are finally heard.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (original title)
PG-13 | 2h 32min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy | 15 December 2017 (USA)

Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order.
Director: Rian Johnson
Writers: Rian Johnson, George Lucas (based on characters created by)
Stars: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Mark Hamill

https://www.acoupleofaveragejoes.com/