The Original Tie Fighters
Posted by: Marblehead 03.03.04 12:01am
Most people in the Star Wars community, when they hear the mention of TIE fighter, envision a baseball type of object with stop sign shaped, honey-combed covered disks protruding from either side. The TIE fighter has been portrayed in various incarnations. The early version previously mentioned, the Darth Vader angled version, the truncated Interceptor version and even the double chili dog, Bomber version. Each of these models played some sort of role in the story and ultimate outcome of the sci-fi Star Wars fantasy films. However, these inanimate objects pay no homage to the origin of their namesake.

A short history lesson to the original tie fighters.

The original "Tie Fighters" were the Croatian horsemen hired by King Louis XIV during the Thirty Year's War in 1648. To distinguish themselves from other fighters these Croatians wore small knotted neckerchiefs, making them the first "Tie Fighters." Soon after their return King Louis XIV adopted the quirky neck ornamentation.

In early dawn hours during the battle of Steinkerk in 1692 French soldiers were surprised by English troops. The French narrowly had enough time to stuff their scarf into the fronts of their trenchcoats. Thus, appeared another example of the "Tie Fighter."

More modern day boxing legends are also prized "Tie Fighters." Tom Sharkey and Freddie Steele of the 1920's and 1930's. More recent "Tie Fighters" Mohammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard. Here's an entire squadron of "Tie Fighters", the first ever induction ceremony at the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, NY. From top left: Billy Conn, Jose Napoles, Jersey Joe Wolcott, Muhammad Ali, Emile Griffith, Bob Foster, Archie Moore. Seated from left: Sandy Sadler, Ike Williams, Kid Gavilan, Willie Pep, Jake LaMotta, Gene Fullmer.

The military has also seen it's fair share of fighters who liked to wear ties, ties of all sorts, making them some of the most powerful and well known of the original "Tie Fighters." Military greats such as Dwight D. Eisenhower, General of the Army during WWII and later the 34th President of the United States of America. George H. Bush, Naval pilot of a Grumman TBM-3A Avenger torpedo bomber during WWII and later the 41st President of the United States of America. Finally, Winston Churchill. He attended the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, England, was a soldier and statesman during WWI and later became British Prime Minister and one of the greatest Allis during WWII. Making him truly a large and in charge "Tie Fighter." Each of these men were great fighters and were rarely seen without wearing a tie.

The "Tie Fighters" have also spread across the sexes. Even some women have challenged the stereotype and took up a fight for freedom of women to wear ties. Some original "Tie Fighters" I can love. Like this one. And this one.

The tie-in between the tie garment and the Star Wars universe is more than just skin deep. The name bow tie is derived from the French word, jabot, (pronounced ja-bow). The jabot is a type of 17th century lace cravat. Jabot (ja-bow).....Jabba, the similarity is uncanny. Also, during the 18th and 19th centuries bow ties came in various materials and styles just as we have learned so do the Star Wars TIE Fighters.

As it appears, George Lucas has chosen to plagiarize a simple fashion accessory, "tie", and term, "Tie Fighter", for more than just garment decor. This rip off has cost the consumer billions of dollars in movie tickets and related plastic and metal trinkets while making Mr. Lucas an extremely wealthy man. Let us all become "Tie Fighters" and demand originality in our entertainment!

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