Picard Quote

[JirinPanthosa]

I think at the time Roddenberry had the attitude that 20th century conflict was self interested and nationalist.

[Trekker4747]

JirinPanthosa wrote:

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I think at the time Roddenberry had the attitude that 20th century conflict was self interested and nationalist.

It's not? Aside from the World Wars has any military conflict not been self-interested, nationalist or just being pretty much pointless?

[Nerys Myk]

Dream wrote:

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Well, the Q only put humanity and not the Federation on trial. Nice that we were worthy of their attention.

At that stage of the game how do you separate one from the other?

[The Wormhole]

indolover wrote:

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Looked like a WWII general's uniform to me.

According to Memory Alpha, it is in fact a 1980s USMC uniform with Captain's rank insignia.

[Captain McBain]

Santa Kang wrote:

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Probably just sloppy writing. So folks think costume and uniform are the same thing.

According to thesaurus.com, 'costume' and 'uniform' are synonyms. I didn't know this. I also think that this is the most reasonable explanation. Picard, even first-season Jean-Luc, doesn't seem like the type to belittle other countries or civilizations.

[jimbotron]

They may be synonyms, but "costume" definitely has a negative connotation, and it sounds like Picard was invoking that.

[T'Girl]

Trekker4747 wrote:

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It's not? Aside from the World Wars has any military conflict not been self-interested, nationalist or just being pretty much pointless?

Not even close. There have been multiple wars in the past century that served the purpose of self-protection, independence, supporting allies, deposing dictators, and Human rights.

The idea that wars are pointless is nothing more than a charming cliché.

[Nerys Myk]

Captain McBain wrote:

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According to thesaurus.com, 'costume' and 'uniform' are synonyms. I didn't know this. I also think that this is the most reasonable explanation. Picard, even first-season Jean-Luc, doesn't seem like the type to belittle other countries or civilizations.

Usually you dress up in a costume and pretend you're something you're not. When you put on a uniform its because its what you wear when doing your job.

In universe, Picard is wearing a uniform. In real life, Stewart is wearing a costume.

Dress up as soldier for halloween you're in a costume. Dress up as soldier because you're in the military,you're in a uniform.

[Sigokat]

The Wormhole wrote:

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According to Memory Alpha, it is in fact a 1980s USMC uniform with Captain's rank insignia.

I remember reading something a long time ago that said it was a replica of Oliver North's uniform when he was testifying on the Iran-Contra conflict.

[Captain McBain]

Santa Kang wrote:

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Usually you dress up in a costume and pretend you're something you're not. When you put on a uniform its because its what you wear when doing your job.

In universe, Picard is wearing a uniform. In real life, Stewart is wearing a costume.

Dress up as soldier for halloween you're in a costume. Dress up as soldier because you're in the military,you're in a uniform.

I understand the distinction. Regardless, the words are still considered synonyms.

[Nerys Myk]

Tell a marine you like his costume.

[sonak]

Merry Christmas wrote:

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Not even close. There have been multiple wars in the past century that served the purpose of self-protection, independence, supporting allies, deposing dictators, and Human rights.

The idea that wars are pointless is nothing more than a charming cliché.

He didn't say "wars are pointless," he said that they were mostly self-interested or nationalist in motivation, which is pretty hard to dispute, especially if you define "self-interest" pretty broadly to include things like a profit motivation or for resources.

"self-protection, independence, and supporting allies" all count as either nationalist or self-interested motivations, so it sounds like you mostly agree with him.

[Captain McBain]

deleted

[Captain McBain]

Captain McBain wrote:

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Only if Lore is my bodyguard.

Trekker4747 wrote:

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Well, the astronaut was an explorer. From the 24c perspective military men were people, as Q nicely put it, "squabbled over the resources of your world or over tribal god-images." In a peaceful time where humans aren't so violent, yeah, they may not look too kindly on military men who fought in wars.

Then they're being hypocritical, since the Federation was obviously involved in wars previously (and they would be involved in future wars with the Borg, Dominion, etc.).

[T'Girl]

sonak wrote:

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He didn't say "wars are pointless,"

He did said has any military conflict not been "just being pretty much pointless."

it sounds like you mostly agree with him

Nope.