Disney+’s “The Acolyte” star Amandla Stenberg released an intense track in response to racist hate received from some of the show’s Star Wars fans. According to some sources, the track “Discourse” was written, recorded, shot, and edited in 72 hours.
In it, Stenberg calls out the abuse of the word “woke” and recenters its original meaning: to speak truth to power and to recognize bigotry. She also backs against the push to co-opt that definition and calls out clickbait journalism. The song’s message touches people who love her performance of twins Osha and Mae from “The Acolyte” and those who are anti-hate and anti-racism in fandoms.
Stenberg came out as both non-binary and gay and has been vocal about the need for representation and inclusion. In “The Acolyte,” she plays Mae, a young woman related to both sides of the Force, which makes one’s character richer than only being aligned with either side. It will be an entirely new series set during the time of the High Republic, bringing new insights into the Jedi Order and the Force, allowing a refreshed look into the Star Wars universe.
The song saw Amandla Stenberg channeling her feelings of being unheard and marginalized, reflecting the struggles of many people in similar positions. It’s gathered so much attention not only for the impactful message but also the timing, dropping just as she takes on a significant role in “The Acolyte.”
