I know what you mean re: "don't take this so seriously", but at the same time, the context of the overall article, which I've only now read, prevented me from taking the relevant section in that spirit.
Also, by sheer coincidence this morning I found out (via a statement from him, so it's not secondary reporting) that Ahmed Best, who voiced Jar-Jar Binks in the prequels, nearly committed suicide back then over the backlash, which wasn't all directed at Lucas but also at him, personally. Talk about taking things seriously. I wouldn't say SW fandom is more or less toxic than Ghostbuster fandom in its attitude, but certainly in its size. Which means even more bile.
Then again: as an example of "nothing new under the sun", I offer the Astor Place Riot. Though I doubt "at least they haven't burned the house down and/or killed you" is of comfort to Leslie Jones, or the actress who plays Rose in TLJ, or indeed Ahmed Best.
no subject
Also, by sheer coincidence this morning I found out (via a statement from him, so it's not secondary reporting) that Ahmed Best, who voiced Jar-Jar Binks in the prequels, nearly committed suicide back then over the backlash, which wasn't all directed at Lucas but also at him, personally. Talk about taking things seriously. I wouldn't say SW fandom is more or less toxic than Ghostbuster fandom in its attitude, but certainly in its size. Which means even more bile.
Then again: as an example of "nothing new under the sun", I offer the Astor Place Riot. Though I doubt "at least they haven't burned the house down and/or killed you" is of comfort to Leslie Jones, or the actress who plays Rose in TLJ, or indeed Ahmed Best.