The Ethical Dilemma of Cloning in Star Wars: The Clone Wars
The treatment of the clones by the Jedi in the animated series, The Clone Wars, reveals a troubling ethical dilemma. The clones are dehumanized and treated as disposable tools, raising questions about the morality of using a clone army.
Humanizing the Clones
The animated series, The Clone Wars, developed the clones from non-entities to distinct individuals, shedding light on the ethical implications of using a clone army. The treatment of the clones by the Jedi and the Kaminoans raises questions about the morality of creating humans for the sole purpose of warfare.
Hevy the clone in Star Wars The Clone Wars
The season 3 episode 'Clone Cadets' focuses on the training of the dysfunctional Domino Squad, shedding light on the dehumanizing treatment of the clones. The clones are called by numbers rather than names, emphasizing their sub-human status. This dehumanization is exemplified when Hevy hesitates to accept a name, highlighting the conditioned belief of worthlessness instilled in the clones.
Domino Squad on Star Wars The Clone Wars season 3
Devaluation of Clones
The episode 'Clone Cadets' also reveals the devaluation of clones who cannot meet the fighting standards. They are labeled as 'defective,' 'rejects,' and 'bad batches,' reflecting the objectification and dehumanization of the clones. The derogatory remarks made by drill instructors further emphasize the clones' lack of value beyond their fighting abilities.
Star Wars The Clone Wars domino squad
The treatment of clones as disposable tools mirrors the parallels with the droid army, where living, breathing human beings are equated to inanimate objects. The derogatory language used to describe the clones reflects the unethical approach of the Jedi and the Kaminoans.
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Jedi's Complicity
The complicity of the Jedi in the dehumanization of the clones is evident throughout the episode. Despite acknowledging the humanity of the clones, the Jedi Order fails to take substantial action to address the mistreatment. The structure of the Jedi Order itself allows for such dehumanization to take place, reflecting a troubling aspect of their ethical framework.
Clone Wars Shaak Ti Lama Su
The ethical dilemma extends beyond the mistreatment of clones, revealing the deeper issues within the Jedi Order. The acceptance of treating individuals as tools, whether clones or Jedi initiates, raises questions about the moral integrity of the Order's practices.
General Pong Krell with a lightsaber.
