That’s funny you say that about Star Trek. I’ve been watching the next generation recently and thinking some very similar things to the thoughts you stated here! Also I’ve been pondering the underlying theme of colonialism that lurks beneath the first two Star Trek franchises. Besides, notice how the United Federation of Planets is not o…
That’s funny you say that about Star Trek. I’ve been watching the next generation recently and thinking some very similar things to the thoughts you stated here! Also I’ve been pondering the underlying theme of colonialism that lurks beneath the first two Star Trek franchises. Besides, notice how the United Federation of Planets is not only Earth centric, but Anglo centric. English is the dominant language, etc. It’s always fun to deconstruct television, especially shows that on the surface seem “progressive”. Often times beneath the veneer of optimism is something deeply reactionary and, as you noted, fascistic.
I note with embarrassment that I went on a bit about Star Trek without saying what I thought outer space represents. And I think what it represents is a totally blank canvas where the producers of the story can do what they want. Westerners tend to see outer space as some kind of endless pioneer territory for conquest which would fit into the colonial idea. Though it's interesting that David Bowie's Space Oddity was pretty much about withdrawal into inner space – an angle he explicitly brought out when he remade the song accompanied by a video of him in a padded cell.
This would fit in with my cherished childhood memories of my favourite programme Lost in Space (the original series obviously!) with the Robinson family in a cosy retreat into various fantasy lands.
That’s funny you say that about Star Trek. I’ve been watching the next generation recently and thinking some very similar things to the thoughts you stated here! Also I’ve been pondering the underlying theme of colonialism that lurks beneath the first two Star Trek franchises. Besides, notice how the United Federation of Planets is not only Earth centric, but Anglo centric. English is the dominant language, etc. It’s always fun to deconstruct television, especially shows that on the surface seem “progressive”. Often times beneath the veneer of optimism is something deeply reactionary and, as you noted, fascistic.
I note with embarrassment that I went on a bit about Star Trek without saying what I thought outer space represents. And I think what it represents is a totally blank canvas where the producers of the story can do what they want. Westerners tend to see outer space as some kind of endless pioneer territory for conquest which would fit into the colonial idea. Though it's interesting that David Bowie's Space Oddity was pretty much about withdrawal into inner space – an angle he explicitly brought out when he remade the song accompanied by a video of him in a padded cell.
This would fit in with my cherished childhood memories of my favourite programme Lost in Space (the original series obviously!) with the Robinson family in a cosy retreat into various fantasy lands.