Picard and Enterprise famous on Earth?

[Timo]

It would make sense that the captain of the Enterprise is known the same way a General Norman Schwarzkopf or General David Petraeus is known and former captains of the Enterprise might be well known to history buffs the way history buffs know American Civil War generals.

But how many people remember Civil War Colonels?

Out of the naval heroes of the Civil War, it's Admiral Farragut, in command of a big formation of ships, that people generally recognize. In WWII, the names of Captains seldom register even among history buffs, it once again being the Admirals that are remembered.

If Kirk and Picard made it, was it because starships of the Trek future are categorically different beasts from today's naval vessels (so Kirk gets fame or infamy the same way a submarine skipper got it, by boldly representing an exotic and exciting branch of the military)? Or was it because they were so exceptionally good at their otherwise humdrum jobs (so Kirk is remembered because his feats rival Stephen Decatur's)?

Really, even the most heroic naval achievements in Earth's wars are often associated with ships rather than commanding officers. Many may remember the Jervis Bay, but who would know of Edward Fegen without googling? Is any of the captains who sunk the Bismarck remembered in any fashion? Does anybody remember who captained the Bismarck?

Timo Saloniemi

 

[bintak]

It would make sense that the captain of the Enterprise is known the same way a General Norman Schwarzkopf or General David Petraeus is known and former captains of the Enterprise might be well known to history buffs the way history buffs know American Civil War generals.

But how many people remember Civil War Colonels?

Out of the naval heroes of the Civil War, it's Admiral Farragut, in command of a big formation of ships, that people generally recognize. In WWII, the names of Captains seldom register even among history buffs, it once again being the Admirals that are remembered.

If Kirk and Picard made it, was it because starships of the Trek future are categorically different beasts from today's naval vessels (so Kirk gets fame or infamy the same way a submarine skipper got it, by boldly representing an exotic and exciting branch of the military)? Or was it because they were so exceptionally good at their otherwise humdrum jobs (so Kirk is remembered because his feats rival Stephen Decatur's)?

Really, even the most heroic naval achievements in Earth's wars are often associated with ships rather than commanding officers. Many may remember the Jervis Bay, but who would know of Edward Fegen without googling? Is any of the captains who sunk the Bismarck remembered in any fashion? Does anybody remember who captained the Bismarck?

Timo Saloniemi

Captain Lindemann, the Jean Luc Picard of the Kriegsmarine, only topped by that imbecile, Admiral Lutjens, the William Ross of same!

Kirk as "Mush" Morton or "Killer" Kane?

I like that!

 

[Whoa Nellie]

But how many people remember Civil War Colonels?

My husband does. In fact, we have a copy of "Soul of the Lion" the biography of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. Although he did reach the rank of brigadier general, it was at the rank of colonel that he won the Medal of Honor and achieved the fame that would put him in the history books at the Battle of Gettysburg, with his defense of Little Round Top. The swinging door charge devised by Camberlain for the defense of Little Round top is still taught at West Point. Looking at WWII, you have Lieutenant Richard Winters (who did rise to the rank of major and is the basis for the book Band of Brothers) whose attack on Brécourt Manor is also taught at West Point as how to over come a fortified position. Just like the Picard Maneuver is taught at Starfleet Academy.

Warmest Wishes,
Whoa Nellie

 

[Timo]

So perhaps we should consider Picard as famous as Winters? That might be fitting: exceptional celebrity value for somebody of that rank, and still not too well known outside military circles, but the name still gets associated with a certain military maneuver, and may be popularized (and perhaps embellished?) at some point of history.

Timo Saloniemi

 

[Whoa Nellie]

So perhaps we should consider Picard as famous as Winters? That might be fitting: exceptional celebrity value for somebody of that rank, and still not too well known outside military circles, but the name still gets associated with a certain military maneuver, and may be popularized (and perhaps embellished?) at some point of history.

Timo Saloniemi

That would be my guess. I don't see throngs of people rushing him and throwing rose petals at his feet as he walks down the street. However, if he is at a high profile, news worthy Starfleet or Federation event the cameras might pan in on him briefly with the commentator killing a few moments of air time to mention who Picard is as a notable VIP. I also don't see Picard as the type to revel in any limelight. The character strikes me as more of the type who would very courteously deal with journalists and cameras, but only when required to while performing his official duties.

Warmest Wishes,
Whoa Nellie

 

[MrsPicard]

I would definitely say he'd be opposed to any kind of "spotlight".

Just consider his "I never sought any of that... RUBBISH!" (or something like that) quote from "Family". He definitely wouldn't like fangirls. Or whatever. He just wants to do his job, that's all.

And yet... I can't help but think that he has quite a few fangirls. *cough*