the character was also subject to racist reactions by some fans online, to which boyega responded, "i'm not going to lose sleep over people." after the first trailer premiered, boyega responded to critics with, "to whom it may concern ... get used to it", and further commented that, "all the films i've done have had a secret commentary on stereotypical mentalities. it's about getting people to drop a prejudiced state of mind and realise, 'oh shit we're just watching normal people.' " in response to those who desired to boycott the film over their disagreements with the existence of a black stormtrooper, boyega replied, "i'm proud of my heritage, and no man can take that away from me. i wasn't raised to fear people with a difference of opinion. they are merely victims of a disease in their mind."