Your ideal New Trek Series

[eyeresist]

Which would help explain why Star Trek is so monocultural.

Depicting the Federation as a culturally diverse civilization would be an effort for TPTB, that said it should be the direction (one of them) for any new series.

But any society tends toward homogeneity.

 

[T'Girl]

But any society tends toward homogeneity.

If anything, America currently is moving away from a homogeneous culture, to a more multi-cultural society. Owing to the large amount of immigration we have from all around the world.

With each new member added to the Federation, each with numerous cultures, the Federation should become more multi-cultural, not less.

With a new show that would be (likely) focused on Starfleet, the ship's crew should be seen to exhibit different cultural traits. Worf's sash, Ro's earpiece, Scotty's kilt, Rhada's bindi.

 

[Orphalesion]

With a new show that would be (likely) focused on Starfleet, the ship's crew should be seen to exhibit different cultural traits. Worf's sash, Ro's earpiece, Scotty's kilt, Rhada's bindi.

I'm a big fan of uniform variations and modifications like that, the thing would be not just to show it on main characters or regulars but on some the concessional extras as well.

I wouldn't mind seeing a female ST officer of Islamic faith wearing a hijab matching her division color. It would be a nice visual imho.

 

[eyeresist]

But any society tends toward homogeneity.

If anything, America currently is moving away from a homogeneous culture, to a more multi-cultural society. Owing to the large amount of immigration we have from all around the world.

Yeah, the immigrants move in, and there's difference, but then they adapt to the society and society adapts to them. It used to be a big deal in the US to be Irish or Italian, I mean cultural ghettos, discrimination and people sticking to their old language. Now it's something some people claim as making them special, but to look at them they are just a standard US citizen.

 

[Tim Walker]

Just like TNG arguably depicted the very end of the Federation's golden age, the new show could depict the end of the decline, with the new Enterprise being the new hope of the quadrant.

This might be one way of ridding the show of some of the more "magical" technology. There as a partial technological fall, and some things were lost.

[/QUOTE] Or the knowledge still exists, but society is so devastated that the magical technology is no longer within reach.

 

[uniderth]

I think a big demonstration of becoming more homogenous is the internet. Just look at how more and more of the world is beginning to mirror American society. That's all thanks to the internet.

Having said that I think a large part is due to corporatism. My depiction would involve humanity becoming more cultural relativists. Not necessarily a homogenizing of beliefs but rather an acceptance of the differences in each other. I would depict this on a religious level as well. I had a hijab wearing Muslim in mind for a "shuold have been" Enterprise series. Of perhaps have a Chrislam crew member. I'm sure religion will have evolved in the next 150 years, especially with the influence of Khan and World War III. Khan probably would have brought together the the India and China regions, and probably more. There would have been some sort of homogenizing of those areas. World War II would have torn everything apart and there would be some bizarre mix of merging and coalescing of different cultures as groups had to work together or fight against each other.

Not to mention the influence alien societies would have had. Although I would depict the development of the advanced humans(mainly culturally but healthier lifestyle would probably be involved too) as stemming from humanity rather than as a side effect of Vulcan or other alien contact. I don't think we have to wait for aliens to arrive before we can improve ourselves.

Or the knowledge still exists, but society is so devastated that the magical technology is no longer within reach.

Or maybe they actively rebel against "magical" technology because they believe it was the cause of their downfall.

 

[eyeresist]

My depiction would involve humanity becoming more cultural relativists. Not necessarily a homogenizing of beliefs but rather an acceptance of the differences in each other. I would depict this on a religious level as well. I had a hijab wearing Muslim in mind for a "should have been" Enterprise series. Of perhaps have a Chrislam crew member.

Religion isn't just a headcloth or piece of jewellery, it's a doctrine you are required to live by, and an organisation which has moral authority over you. So I don't see how the Federation could reconcile religion with universal human rights, i.e. equal rights for women, no homophobia, no child abuse, no restrictions on harmless private behaviour.
There's also the problem of religions being Earth/human-centric - if humans are God's special creation, where does that leave all the alien species? Can we just kill them like any other animal?

 

[fireproof78]

My depiction would involve humanity becoming more cultural relativists. Not necessarily a homogenizing of beliefs but rather an acceptance of the differences in each other. I would depict this on a religious level as well. I had a hijab wearing Muslim in mind for a "should have been" Enterprise series. Of perhaps have a Chrislam crew member.

Religion isn't just a headcloth or piece of jewellery, it's a doctrine you are required to live by, and an organisation which has moral authority over you. So I don't see how the Federation could reconcile religion with universal human rights, i.e. equal rights for women, no homophobia, no child abuse, no restrictions on harmless private behaviour.
There's also the problem of religions being Earth/human-centric - if humans are God's special creation, where does that leave all the alien species? Can we just kill them like any other animal?

Would be an interesting question for sci-fi to explore. Personally, and being religious, I would see a room for all aliens in my world view, and that God created them specially as humanity, but in different ways. Kind of like Tolkien's view of Elves and Men-each had a special gift from the Creator that the other Race could not know. Something unique to them.

As for religion, I think it would become an more of a private activity, with it regarded as a personal choice, as long as it didn't negatively impact another person's activities. Those who held similar religious beliefs may enjoy the freedom of space travel to start colonies of their own.

This isn't to start a full on religion in Star Trek debate, so much as there are many different ways to handle it in fiction. Look at Herbert's "Dune", Card's "Speak for the Dead" as well Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series to give a different view.

 

[eyeresist]

^ See also CS Lewis's science fiction novels.

Religion as a private activity is the way to go, I agree, but there's no guarantee everyone will acquiesce.

 

[Orphalesion]

^ I agree, there's also C.S. Lewis "Space Trilogy" in which God has set different rules for each planet and other planets have not "fallen" like Earth. Edit: Ninjad by eyeresist

I would find religion in Star Trek very interesting, simply to see how the different religions have developed until the 24th century (for instance compare the Catholic church today with its medieval incarnation) maybe some set of believes have spread to other species and worlds and maybe some have mixed with those believes (Buddhism in the past has proven to often mix with native believes). And on the other hand I can see humans adopting alien religions.

I think a civilization like the Federation would have to grant its citizens freedom of religion, just in order to stay true to its ideals. Of course everybody would still have to follow Federation Law which would be more powerful than the guidelines laid out by religion or philosophy. For instance a starfleet officer who is member of a homophobic religion would have to nonetheless work with and maintain respect/civility towards homosexual coworkers or face the consequences or an officer who chooses to wear a Bajoran earring or a hijab with their uniform would also have to accept it if their captain enforces a stricter dress code. Religious Law would likely not be permitted (however note that the Vulcans were allowed to practice their barbaric duels to the death at least into the 23rd century, why would sex be a valid base for a horrible law like that, but religion not?)

Likewise I could picture rogue colonies that were founded by the members of a particular religion and have left the Federation in order to live completely after the commandments of their faith even if they conflict with federation law. For instance a Mormon colony named "New Deseret" or "Sukhavati" a planet inhabited solely by Buddhist monks. Taking Yar's home world into account the Federation seams rather lenient when it comes to worlds terminating their membership.

 

[fireproof78]

Edit: in response to eyeresist

Certainly so, but that would be part of the drama. Kind of a Locke versus Morpheus in Matrix Reloaded, if you have not completely blocked out the memory

Like I said, the idea of colonies where specific religions have grouped together would be a likely outcome, with people wanting a little more (or less) religion in their lives.

I don't think religion should be a specific focus of any character, but rather something that can be acknowledged as part of their backstory. Something private, sure, but something that also comes out as important to the character.

 

[eyeresist]

Edit: Ninjad by eyeresist

Sorry bout dat

And on the other hand I can see humans adopting alien religions.

I can imagine alien religions being very popular, for a variety of reasons. Exotic appeal, radical new perspectives, "wisdom from beyond the stars". This in itself might create tensions on Earth (see Terra Prime).

Religious Law would likely not be permitted (however note that the Vulcans were allowed to practice their barbaric duels to the death at least into the 23rd century, why would sex be a valid base for a horrible law like that, but religion not?)

Yes, the Pon Farr duel doesn't really fit with the Federation. This is basically a hangover from old fashioned Robert E Howard-flavoured space opera - I don't know how it has been explained away.

Like I said, the idea of colonies where specific religions have grouped together would be a likely outcome, with people wanting a little more (or less) religion in their lives.

Hmm. But when we say "colonies", we may be talking about many millions of people. What would the Federation's position be on people claiming asylum with them, or just being persecuted for nonconformity? If dissidents claim asylum with the Federation, is the Fed obliged to defend them as though they were citizens? The Prime Directive only applies to pre-warp civilisations, so does the Fed feel entitled to embark on "peace keeping" or regime change missions?

 

[Orphalesion]

Sorry bout dat

No worries dude.

Yes, the Pon Farr duel doesn't really fit with the Federation. This is basically a hangover from old fashioned Robert E Howard-flavoured space opera - I don't know how it has been explained away.

Yes TOS was in many ways much more space opera/planetary romance than TNG and what came after.
But the thing is, it never was exlained away, even in enterprise T'Pol is threatening her betrothed with the Pon Farr.

Hmm. But when we say "colonies", we may be talking about many millions of people. What would the Federation's position be on people claiming asylum with them, or just being persecuted for nonconformity? If dissidents claim asylum with the Federation, is the Fed obliged to defend them as though they were citizens? The Prime Directive only applies to pre-warp civilisations, so does the Fed feel entitled to embark on "peace keeping" or regime change missions?

I think that would vary wildly from colony to colony. I'm sure a lot of people on Tasha's home planet didn't want to live in a rape gang infested hellhole.
I think the biggest problem of people who don't want or can't live with the restrictions of their rogue colony would be to get off world, once in Federation Space the Federation seems to be as happy to accept them as they are to let worlds secede (again I'm just basing this on the example of Tasha and her world) After all, it's not like a few thousands of refugees each year would be a drain on the (effectively infinite) resources of the Federation...
I could see at least some of the more open of those Religious Colonies having agreements with the Federation for the migration/deportation of non-conforming individuals (possibly in exchange for trade and/or protection from the Federation) and others perhaps having something like the Rumspringa of the Amish. Others might simply have the attitude "if you don't wanna play after our rules, piss off!" and place their rebellious individuals on board the next transport off-world.
Towards those that would get persecuted and/or burned on the stake by their independent governments the Federation is likely just as apathetic as towards the innocents trapped on Tasha's home world (which wasn't a pre-warp civilization after all).

 

[JES]

I'd imagine that if dissidents/non-conformists were to send out a distress call. requesting to be evacuated, because they don't have access to a ship, the Federation would probably feel obligated to send out a nearby vessel to rescue them.

I suppose it would be a problem if they couldn't find them, and assumed that the persecutors already got to them first.

 

[uniderth]

Religion isn't just a headcloth or piece of jewellery, it's a doctrine you are required to live by, and an organisation which has moral authority over you. So I don't see how the Federation could reconcile religion with universal human rights, i.e. equal rights for women, no homophobia, no child abuse, no restrictions on harmless private behaviour.
There's also the problem of religions being Earth/human-centric - if humans are God's special creation, where does that leave all the alien species? Can we just kill them like any other animal?

I think those would be awesome questions to explore in a series.

I don't think religion should be a specific focus of any character, but rather something that can be acknowledged as part of their backstory. Something private, sure, but something that also comes out as important to the character.

I agree to an extent. I think there would be a fine line to be walked between having a character with a strong religious belief, and having that annoying religious character everybody hates.

As far as religion on planets. I think the Federation would be be more "states' rights" (panets' rights?) than the US currently is. Thus Koon-ut-kal-if-fee could be allowed by Federation Law on the planet Vulcan, while not necessarily allowed elsewhere. Not to mention few non-vulcans even knew about it.

Plus we have to consider that each planet, while having a single world government, would not necessarily be homogenous.

Speaking of the Prime Directive. I would love to see stories of planets or parts of planets that are completely ruined by well meaning Federation or Earth citizens. I'd actually like seeing early earth contacts. For example we have the Friendship 1 probe voyaging the stars sharing earth's knowledge of anti-matter.

It would be interesting to see this early excitement for exploration. That while well meaning may have had disastrous results for some planets. Early earth ships making contact with pre-warp planets. The contact then totally throws off the balance of power on the planet or something. Maybe a transmission of earth diseases. What tragedies, no matter how well meaning(think Christian missionaries converting natives from their culture), had to happen before the Prime Directive was instituted.

 

[T'Girl]

I'm a big fan of uniform variations and modifications like that, the thing would be not just to show it on main characters or regulars but on some the concessional extras as well.

Native American officer.

So I don't see how the Federation could reconcile religion with universal human rights, i.e. equal rights for women, no homophobia, no child abuse, no restrictions on harmless private behaviour.

That would depend on how the Federation is set up. If it 150 sovereign star nations, who've join in a interstellar organization, then the Federation would have no say. It would be up to each Member.

Would the Vulcan kaz-wan be considered "child abuse?"

There's also the problem of religions being Earth/human-centric ...

Vulcans were shown to have religion too, other alien species as well.

where does that leave all the alien species?

Each with their own faiths and traditions.

... or an officer who chooses to wear a Bajoran earring or a hijab with their uniform would also have to accept it if their captain enforces a stricter dress code.

Surely such items would be part of the standard dress code. A religious or cultural item might have a restriction if it interfered with say vision or hearing, or it was a safety concern. I've had jobs where my cross had to be inside my shirt because of machinery I was using.

Likewise I could picture rogue colonies that were founded by the members of a particular religion and have left the Federation in order to live completely after the commandments of their faith even if they conflict with federation law.

According to the TOS episode Cloud Minders, Federation law doesn't supersede Member laws.

Thus Koon-ut-kal-if-fee could be allowed by Federation Law on the planet Vulcan, while not necessarily allowed elsewhere.

Every planet that had Vulcans would have Koon-ut-kal-if-fee, whether they were Vulcan colonies or the worlds of another Federation Members. It's a part of their biology and culture.

 

[eyeresist]

Speaking of the Prime Directive. I would love to see stories of planets or parts of planets that are completely ruined by well meaning Federation or Earth citizens. I'd actually like seeing early earth contacts. For example we have the Friendship 1 probe voyaging the stars sharing earth's knowledge of anti-matter.

There was a great episode of Space 1999 about a "friendship" probe which Earth had launched with a radical new propulsion system. The problem was this probe spewed deadly radiation, annihilating all the life-forms that it greeted. The aliens kind of resented that!

 

[T'Girl]

Not just alien worlds, the probe (one of them) had it's different engine activate too early after launch from Earth and it destroyed a city here.

 

[Orphalesion]

Okay, I'm a bit confused about thiss whole pon farr and duel to the death thing. I was always under the impression that it was caused by the Vulcans suppressing their emotions and sex drive until they manifested in a complete meltdown (like Flanders on that one Simpson episode)
Since the Vulcan's quest for logic and suppression of emotion is basically of their religion/philosophy, it would put any violence and death caused by pon farr and kal-if-fee on pretty much the same level as 15th century Christians burning witches (in my eyes at least)

Yet the Memory Alpha page does not state that the pon farr is a result of their philosophy of them suppressing their emotions and states that before their prophet came up with his teachings about throwing the baby out with the bathwater and getting terrible haircuts they regularly killed to take a mate.

But if the pon farr existed before, wouldn't the Romulans have it too? Is anything known about that?

If it is really only part of Vulcan biology and in no way caused by their philosophy/religion then they can't help it I suppose and withdraw my argument about the kal-if-fee being a case where the Federation permits cultural/religious law.

Native American officer.

Ha! Good thinking! However keep in mind that in movies they often have more time to plan things like that and cast/costume the extras than TV shows.

 

[eyeresist]

But if the pon farr existed before, wouldn't the Romulans have it too? Is anything known about that?

That's an interesting question.