Growing up my father and sister really liked Star Wars. Both of these people severely got on my nerves, so I automatically wrote off the entire series because I had the feeling of, "Oh, you like Star Wars? I guess that means I HATE IT." Anytime someone tried to introduce me to Star Wars I just pushed them aside as I just didn't have any interest. Boy, was I wrong.
Before Episode VII was released my boyfriend showed me the original trilogy just so that would be able to understand what was going on in the movie. After I saw the new one, I became more intrigued by the series but still kept a bit of distance because I didn't want to seem like someone who was merely jumping on the bandwagon.
However, after seeing, "The Last Jedi," the day it came out, I have become completely hooked. I have now seen the prequels, the original trilogy, the current series now coming alive, and am in the middle of, "Rogue One."
One thing that has bothered me, however, is people telling me online in fan groups that I'm not a real fan because I haven't liked it since the beginning. Um ... Excuse me? I wasn't even born yet! I'm sorry that I can't like something while hanging around in an ovary. Just because you've liked something for x amount of years, that doesn't mean new people can't like it either, to be honest, those kinds of ideals are just plain rude.
I think it is important for people to be passionate in the things they care about, whether it be stories or sports, anyone should be free to explore what they love, so DON'T YOU DARE SAY SOMEONE CAN'T LIKE SOMETHING. That is not your place.
p.s. shout out to my reylos