Darth_Sal

Ba'jur, beskar'gam,

Ara'nov, aliit,

Mando'a bal Mand'alor-

An vencuyan mhi.

[Education and Armor,

Self defense, Our tribe,

Our language, Our leader,

All help us survive.]

Thanks to Karen Traviss, the Mandalorians have become so much more than just a mysterious bounty hunter... as if that wasn't enough to spark our imaginations. I've seen several people complain about Traviss' infatuation with Mandos, and even claim that she "ruined" the Legacy series; these same people see the Mandos as brutes and sociopaths. Why? Because they have a warrior culture that modern 'civilized' people can't understand and thus have only disdain for. However, the anti-Mandalorians always have some unnatural love of Jedi (or Sith, but usually Jedi) and don't seem to see the inhuman-ness of that monastic group. The Jedi are very much an isolationist faction, hiding their disciples away, after stealing them away from their families, until they have been properly conditioned to impose their views on society at large. Nice guys.

Why the upswing of "Fandalorium?" I've considered an argument that Mandalorain culture, as Traviss has created it, has so much that our own is lacking. Close family ties, clan structure, true egalitarian society, acceptance of all races and genders, and culture of advancement/respect through merit. Not to mention their seemingly simple semi-nomadic agricultural lifestyle and respect for their planet and environment. Maybe its a desire for the simple life of our forefathers, when hard work and loyalty was rewarded and family ties meant survival.

Warriors? Indeed. What better way to raise children? Pamper them, teach the women that they can't take care of themselves and attach undue importance to Angelina Jolie? Mandalorians are a people able to take care of themselves and one another, that don't put petty desires ahead of practicality, survival or brotherhood. Its a pragmatic way to live, be prepared, be loyal, know yourself, and trust your friends and family. Yeah, that has a certain appeal.

Vode An!