[Essay] Kreia

[Tysyacha]

What did I, as a young woman with a disability, learn from Kreia, a

fictional character in the LucasArts® computer game Knights of the

Old Republic II: The Sith Lords?® Far more than I thought I would,

as three quotes from Kreia still come to my mind and help to keep me

strong:

 

“I? I am but a mirror whose only purpose is to show you what your

eyes cannot yet see.”

 

In the game, Kreia helped the character I controlled (called the

“player character” by gamers) to learn Force powers and unravel

the mysteries of the game’s plot. Kreia acted as a “mirror” to show

me whether my actions were of the Light Side or the Dark and to

reflect my true motives. As someone with a disability, I also act as

a “mirror” to reflect back people’s compassion and honesty as well

as preconceptions and prejudices. When people talk to me, they

might see someone incapable of doing very much because of her

awkward motor skills, or they might see a creative woman who

has much to teach society, just as Kreia taught me. In the

game, Kreia hoped my character would look back upon her

choices and ponder whether they were helpful or hurtful,

the “right thing to do” or the wrong. In life, I hope I help

the people I meet do that, too.

 

“It is only through interaction, through decision and choice, through confrontation, physical or mental, that the Force can grow within you.”

 

Kreia told my “player character” this in the game when I decided not

to make a decision, so to speak. Kreia revealed to me that this was

a choice in itself, albeit a passive one. She preferred when my choices

were clear and active, whether I said “yes”, “no” or “perhaps” with conviction. In life, if “the Force” symbolizes God/Spirit/Source (as it

does to me), then the only way I can grow spiritually is to act and to interact, to choose and decide, and to face whatever obstacles are

in my way and confront them with boldness (however scared I was)

instead of apathy and inertia.

 

Many of my friends who have disabilities don’t have as many chances

to make their own decisions as they would like. Not only does this

frustrate them (and me), but I also think that when staff/professionals

are the primary decision-makers in their lives, this prevents my friends’ personal and spiritual growth. I think Kreia’s right. The more we allow

others (and ourselves) to make informed choices, the better off all

of us will be, no matter if we have a disability or not.

 

“It is a far greater victory to make another see through your eyes

than to close theirs forever.”

 

This final lesson from Kreia has been the hardest for me to learn.

In the game, my “player character” was exiled from the Jedi Order for

going to war against an opposing faction. Kreia, even though she

eventually revealed herself as a Sith Lord, believed that making the

Jedi Masters who banished me see things from my perspective would

be better than killing them in revenge. In life, I don’t wish to hurt

anyone, including the people who restrict my and my friends’ power

to make choices. Instead, I want to make them see things “through

my eyes”, humbly and honestly. Doing that would be more constructive

and ethical than if I callously dismissed them!

 

Who says computer games can’t teach you anything? I’ve learned

much of life from Kreia…

[DrPhil2501]

How touching

[The_Catto]

Two words: I agree.

Well, you could probably debate that in being one letter and one word, but anyway, thats not the point.

 

Kreia did open my eyes to several aspects in, which to look upon the world. Even if you decide not to make a choice about not doing this or not doing that, is a choice in its own and i totally agree with her on that.

To make somebody truly see something through your perspective when they themselves had a completely different view of things would be a great achievement in life.

We all deserve to have the rght to make our own choices, to do what we want and what we think is right, and the restrictions that get placed in front of all of us aggrivates me beyond all comprehension.

 

That is a VERY well-written Essay. Great job, in the structure and how you put your views across.

[Grey Master]

Kreia too showed me many things about life, like looking deeply to those around you, the choices that life presents you, to look out for yourself and many more, thats why I like TSL and my favorite character is Kreia.