Check out this post if you haven’t read about the Star Trek course I’m taking yet!
Think of a global issue that we are facing today that causes fear or concern. What would be the plot of a television show that depicted a utopian and optimistic vision of the future of that issue?
Star Trek first aired during the Cold War and the space race, yet it told of a future where countries, races, genders, and even entire worlds could get along and come together for a common good.
I think the “plot” that we could all use right now would be everyone coming together on defeating COVID-19. Even our country is incredibly divided on this topic. It affects all of us, both nationally and globally, and yet we’re so firmly rooted in our own beliefs about it that we can’t see any truth in the opposite stance.
Have you ever noticed that in Star Trek, they don’t have social media or cell phones (in the way that we use them, which is much more than a phone)? People spend far too much time sharing news stories without reading them, creating their own news that suits their agenda, and pushing their personal convictions. The pandemic problem has been tied to politics, and I don’t feel that it should be.
Despite the numerous examples of diversity, equality, and utopian visions in the various Star Trek series, there are also quite a few examples that show those groups don’t have it all together just yet. Even a group as revered as the Federation doesn’t appeal to everyone and their own agenda. It’s a mission for all of us to work on.
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Ashley O’Melia is an independent author and freelancer from Southern Illinois. She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University. Her books include The Wanderer’s Guide to Dragon Keepingand The Graveside Detective. Her short stories have been published in The Penmen Review, Siren’s Call, and Subcutaneous. Ashley’s freelance work has spanned numerous genres for clients around the world. You can find her on Facebook and Amazon.
Ashley O'Melia, Author 