It is escapism. You can forget the hellish reality of now and enjoy an imaginary future of shared prosperity for a few hours.
It does a bit, but I enjoy its positivity regardless. Especially now, where we are experiencing an era of cultural cynicism in the West since the 80s.
Well, that is what happens in late stage capitalism. All your dreams get squashed and you start seeing darkness everywhere.
You know how there are no bathrooms in Star Trek? Ferengis and other “backward,” “greedy” non-Federation races aside, there is no capitalism in the same way as there are no bathrooms. Star Trek is a liberal franchise that sweeps economics under the rug. It’s suitable for libertarians & anarchists alike.
I would say it varies. In most episodes sure, but from O’Brien’s “He was more than a hero; he was a union man.” to the previous episode of Lower Decks, where the crew helped people abolish capitalism, and it was celebrated like a party. So I would say that it is a bit more leftist than you give it credit for.
It’s pretty clear that Roddenberry was an anti-capitalist at the very least. I’m not sure what his political persuasion was otherwise. Considering he was making a low-budget show in the 60s in Hollywood, following the McCarthy era into deep Cold War, it’s understandable to me that he didn’t go full communism with it, even if he was an ML.
Not at all. It reminds me what we’re working towards. But then I’m lucky to be in a part of the world where we’re moving forwards and working in a job where I can contribute to that movement.
Where is this and what do you do?
HK, China, Education
i’d feel that more if they showed life on earth. the space stuff is outlandish enough that i can just enjoy it rather than seeing it as comfort and happiness i am denied.
Were the economics of Sisko’s Creole Kitchen or Picard’s vineyards ever touched upon?
the businesses in star trek are like schrodinger’s businesses since they’re selling products & services to people who have no money. lol
