"Star Trek"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how the original "Star Trek" series contains a surprising amount of social commentary. It examines how the multiracial, multi-ethnic makeup of Starfleet itself is testimony to Gene Roddenberry's optimistic conception of the future of race (or at least interplanetary) relations. It examines how the United Federation of Planets is like a cosmic United Nations, comprised of races more different in appearance than any found on Earth. It looks at how, for the most part, the missions of the U.S.S. Enterprise generally promote freedom and justice throughout the known universe and despite the stereotyping and sexism contained within Star Trek episodes, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise is surprisingly egalitarian.

From the Paper:

"The show follows a standard formula for Star Trek episodes. Starfleet is authorized to fetch zenite from the planet Ardana. Zenite is the only known antidote for a deadly plant disease plaguing Federation member planet Marak II. The plague on Marak II threatens to wipe out the entire population, which of course warrants intervention. Ardana is obligated to comply with Starfleet's orders because as a member planet they must offer assistance to another federation member. Therefore, Starfleet acts like "big government," and frequently interferes with the sovereignty of Federation planets. Kirk and Spock believe "there must be some mistake" that the High Advisor asked them to beam down to Stratos, the main Ardana city, rather than directly to the zenite mines. Of course, Kirk feels his "emergency" is more important than this simple request from the Ardana High Advisor. This is the kind of government that frightens libertarians and any critics of "big government.""

More papers on "Star Trek":

• Analytical Essay # 32330 : " Star Trek and Sacred Ground"
• Essay # 13833 : "Star Trek" ( Robert Wise )"
• Essay # 62132 : "Subculture of Trekkies"

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