This meme stems from the 1977 film Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, during a scene where Obi-Wan Kenobi uses the Force to influence a group of Imperial stormtroopers. As they search for R2-D2 and C-3PO, Obi-Wan calmly waves his hand and says, 'These aren't the droids you're looking for,' leading the soldiers to repeat the phrase and let them pass. Online, the phrase has become a quintessential way to mock someone attempting to divert attention from the obvious truth or to dismiss a blatant mistake. It is widely used in social media and political commentary whenever someone tries to distract others from a clear issue or technical glitch.