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John Boyega's Jedi-like approach to shutting down race-based criticism.

The Force is strong with this one (and his ability to deal with this kind of ignorance).

Over the weekend, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" hit theaters, crushing pretty much every box office record imaginable.

Maybe you had the pleasure of checking it out (but if not, don't worry, no spoilers). The film was a massive success, but underneath that was a bit of a squabble among fans surrounding some casting decisions.


A $524.9 million opening weekend! Not too shabby, eh? Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images.

Controversy surrounded the casting of one of the movie's lead characters.

Er, no, not you, BB-8. Everyone loves you.

"BB-8! BB-8! Who are you wearing!?" Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney.

The controversy was in the casting of John Boyega, seen below, in the role of Finn. In the film's first trailer, released last year, Boyega was shown taking off a stormtrooper helmet. Some fans were less than thrilled, saying that a black man shouldn't be playing the role of a stormtrooper on the basis of ... uh ... well, no basis, really. They just didn't like it.

Boyega responded with a simple statement: "Get used to it."

That, sir, is how you dress for a movie premiere! Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

In October, after a group tried to organize a boycott of the movie, Boyega struck back with a bit more force.

In an interview with V Magazine, Boyega addressed critics who had established their opinion of him based solely on the color of his skin, rather than his talent as an actor.

But in perhaps the best comeback yet to this outdated argument, Boyega let the ticket sales speak for themselves.

On "The Wake Up Show," host Sway got right to the point, asking what it's been like to be on the receiving end of baseless, ignorant criticism. Boyega's response was priceless.

GIFs from SwaysUniverse.

We need to continue to push for increased diversity in Hollywood, precisely because this type of backlash exists.

Whether you're an actor, director, writer, producer, or just a consumer of the entertainment industry, diversity is important (and yes, you benefit from this even if you're white and male). It's why diversity-driven initiatives, like that led by "Star Wars" creator George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, exist to try to level the Hollywood playing field.

Right now, white and/or male is considered the default in just about any lead role. Just look at the backlash to the news that a black actress (Noma Dumezweni) had been cast as Hermione in the upcoming "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," even after J.K. Rowling herself said Hermione could be a woman of color.

To see a record-busting action movie like "Star Wars" being led by a black man and a woman (Daisy Ridley as Rey) is not only needed, but it's more revolutionary than anything a special effects team could even begin to touch. This kind of casting shouldn't have to be considered subversive, but right now, that's the reality we live in.

People like Boyega, bravely pushing back on hate, are helping make the world a better place for future generations of actors.

Watch Boyega's appearance on "The Wake Up Show" below.

All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

True

A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.

And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.

This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.

For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.

Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.

Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”

That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.

Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.

Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.

“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”

Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.
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