Even if you allow the prequels in your personal canon. I think it's still possible for the Jedi's force abilities to be either not well known or dismissed by the populace. The Jedi's lightsaber is obviously well known. Though that might be what the Jedi are to the citizens. "The protector guys with the lightsabers" or something like that. Sure they were highly active during the Clone Wars but how many real life war stories are exaggerated? Hell if a guy gets a scar on his leg because some kid was playing with a toy. It's not out of the question for that kid w/toy to turn into some wild animal attack when he's trying to impress someone. The midichlorian thing (UGH) could be something only shared with Jedi and Public officials who need to know.

(Note: I initially wrote this post whilst tired as all hell. For one reason or another I drafted this post... Too lazy now to make edits/additions... So, whatever I'm just going to post it.)