StardustSteph said:
I don't think there is really an argument here. Exodus isn't arguing for prostitution and sex slaves. He/she is just saying they understand the concept in regards to the Trek Universe He used a great examples.
Um,
StardustSteph, have you seen the episode of TOS that I've referenced here? If not, perhaps you should review it. It's called "Bread and Circuses," and it's about a planet that still practices slavery. You know, people who are bought and sold like cattle? And one of the bad guys "lends" one of his slave girls to Kirk to allow Kirk one last night "as a man."
She can't say "no." She's a slave. She's there, with Kirk, because her master told her to be there. She has sex with Kirk because she's been ordered to please him - I think that's a quote.
So the situation isn't really very much like those "great examples" that Exodus gives. We aren't talking about fun, casual, hedonistic sex. We are talking about a slave. I realize that Starfleet is fictional, but do you really think they'd have a more lenient attitude toward marketing sentient beings than we do now?
I'm sure you're right that Exodus doesn't actually approve of sexual slavery. He has angered me very much with his flippancy, but I'll readily concede that. But what he's saying here is nonetheless outrageous, and I'm not going to pretend otherwise.
Yes, it's just a disagreement, not a fight.
What are you so upset about?
We're just having a debate, I'm not attacking you.
You asked me questions, I answered them honestly.
What did I do wrong?
Native American's are a real culture not fictional people made up for TV and having questionable sex on a space ship. Even during that debate, I don't recall ever taking anythng said to heart as to bring it up again in another post.
You did dismiss me in your charming reply: "How nice for you." Just because I said it was fiction and don't feel as passionately about it. Why is that so wrong? I guess I should be glad we aren't debating politics.
So I'll kindly end this, so you can ponder that for a bit.
As for you, Exodus, yes, you were kind. You dismissed me and my concerns
very kindly, with a metaphorical pat on the head, saying, "There, there, darlin'. Don't be upset. It's just TV show."
You're absolutely right that the slave girl isn't real, and that Native Americans are. But you know, the Native Americans on VOY aren't real, either. They aren't real people, and they aren't even a real tribe. They are a make-believe tribe that lived on a make-believe, alien planet. It's all make believe.
So why does it bother you that they were portrayed so clumsily and badly? I mean, it's TV show. It's not real. Could it be that this piss-poor portrayal bothered you because you suspected - quite rightly, I think - that it indicated a lack of respect for Native American cultures on the part of TPTB? Or at the very least an unpardonable ignorance, perhaps?
And yet, you pretend to be amazed that I am equally dismayed to find that TPTB - and Kirk - seem to have an ignorance just as unpardonable about the plight of women who can't say "no." Huh.
And why you would take my very real concerns - because although the slave isn't real, the problem is - and try to turn them into a joke?
I don't know if you really believe what you're saying, or if you just can't bear to admit that perhaps you erred in some of your statements, or if you just want to annoy me. If it's the latter, it worked.
I have lost a great deal of respect for you. As I told Steph, I know perfectly well that you aren't in favor of sexual slavery. You're not a bad person. But when it comes to handling criticism, well, you're not very good at it.
And it's also apparent that, at least tonight, you choose to pretend that just because an injustice occurs in a fictional world, it doesn't matter. Try to remember that next time a piece of fiction angers
you.
Which it will, you know.
Ponder that for a bit.
And thanks,
Kimc. I appreciate your understanding and indulgence. Exodus is of course absolutely wrong that I am "wrestling with my own morals." On the subject of sexual slavery, my morals are absolutely clear - no wrestling is necessary.
And with that, I'll let everybody get back to their nice discussion about Janeway/Chakotay vs. Chakotay/Seven. Sorry for the diversion. In fact, I'm really sorry.