I was watching some Trek (specifically Nemesis) when his daughter got all upset because there was something else she wanted to watch on Tv. She couldn't understand how or why people like Trek, or what people see in it. It was something I didn't have an answer for. But for me I like the stories, I like the special effects, and I love seeing Starship/spacecraft designs. A lot of the stories are very unique stories that you just can't find in things like a cop show or a sports show or a medical show. So how would you explain things to her?
Well I'd start by apologizing for making her watch Nemesis. Explain that movie blows, but there is plenty of better Star Trek out there. Based on how you worded your post, I have no idea of what your relationship is to this girl. You say "his daughter" but I don't know who she is, or her age. If she is considerably younger than you, tell her she'll probably understand and appreciate the show in time. If you are more of the same age then explain exactly what you stated above. Not everyone has to like the same thing, and this is what you like. Then apologize again for what a crap movie Nemesis is.
I like the movie and don't understand people's hatred of it. now I can understand some of the problems with it, but I still like it and will watch it from time to time. I'm no fanboy who'll get so incensed at any minor problem a film will have. But back to the original question. How would you answer it?
For me, it's the stories and characters more than anything else. Yes, the effects and the spaceship designs are cool, but in the end, it's all about the stories.
The OP could've been watching the best Trek movie made and his daughter would probably still ask the question.
I'd explain it to her like this: "Different folks like different things. I like Trek. I don't feel the need to justify or explain myself to you. Now go and do something you like doing while I watch the film."
With my own kids who sometimes ask similar questions, I answer "for the same reason you like (fill in the blank)." And as has been explained, I just explain how people like different things. If the daughter (or other people) are old enough to understand this concept already, but are giving the attitude of "How can anyone like this crap?" I wouldn't really try to explain. I'd just tell them, "You wouldn't understand my answer anyway, so why bother?"
Who's daughter now? Anyway, there's no reason anyone should have to explain why they like something. Taste is subjective, and nobody else's business. Next time "his daughter" (whoever "he" is) asks, ask her why she likes the godawful shit she likes and tell her to shut up or leave the room.
I originally saw TOS when I was four years old and loved it. So your daughter's age should not be an issue. But show her something good from TOS, after explaining that NEM is garbage. The Naked Time, The Doomsday Machine, The Devil in the Dark, Balance of Terror, Amok Time, The Trouble with Tribbles, The City on the Edge of Forever, Mirror, Mirror...that should do for a start. After that, start on DS9. You might get around to TNG eventually but honestly it hasn't aged well.
Too each their own. My Dad found the military aspects of trek laughable amd Mom couldn't get past the funny looking aliens. She once said Worf should wear bangs. I gave up on getting them into Trek.
To quote Peter Griffin "Daddy loves you, sweetheart, but daddy also loves Star Trek. And to be fair, Star Trek came first."
What if a character told Worf to his face that he should wear bangs? Your mother is a racist. There I said it .
Didn't he wear bangs in the western episode, or was that just the way the funny hat on his head made him seem to look?
TOS. I shudder to think of what he would have made of TNG. I no longer lived at home when TNG started so I was spared his running commentary. Though having served 25 years in the military I guess he knew more about it than me. She could never forgive them for killing her son.