researching star trek, what does Star Trek mean to you?

[NTS]

Hey there,

First of all I want to say I'm sorry if this isn't the right place to post this question, but I wasn't sure were to go with this.
I'm a graduate student at a university in the Netherlands and I'm researching Star Trek, more than that, I'm focussing on the mythic qualities of the stories of the show and the place it enjoys in our Western culture. Part of that research is a closer look to fandom.
I'm very interested in what Star Trek means to people that it deserves so much dedication. I was hoping you could tell me what Star Trek symbolizes for you. How do you experience the stories of de shows and the messages included in them. Basically, why do you love the shows that much and perhaps, what do your fellow fans contribute to that experience?
I realize these questions are somewhat vague, this is beceause I want you to express what you think is important about Star Trek, so that I as a researcher can adapt to that instead of forcing you to express yourself in my terms.
If you want to help you can leave a reply here, or send it to researching.star.trek@gmail.com
I want to thank you all in advance

Kind regards,

a student

 

[RevdKathy]

This might do better in the General Trek forum. There's nothing I your post to indicate that you specifically want fanfic writers to reply.

I'll whoosh it over there, and if that's wrong I'm sure the mods over there can send it back.

 

[C.E. Evans]

To me, Trek symbolizes an idea that things will improve in the future--including our society--and that people will be judged more by what they do & how they treat others rather than what they are or just by what they look like.

But I'm mostly in it because of the cool starships.

 

[NTS]

Thx for your reply. Your right, the star ships are pretty cool, I'll make sure to mention that in my research ;-)

 

[1001001]

I would read this thread if you're really interested.

http://www.trekbbs.com/showthread.php?t=267256

 

[Starborn Dragon]

I like the message and philosophy of Star Trek, which is we have the capacity to rise above our petty differences and overcome our bigotries and racism.

I also identify with Spock the most. During the Original Series he was pretty much the alien trying to find his place in a human society.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

Adventure and idealism.

 

[2takesfrakes]

To myself and others - many others - The Next Generation is the fons et origo of STAR TREK.

 

[urbandefault]

Fun, watching interesting characters in interesting situations. A temporary diversion. Same as anything else I like to watch on TV or at the movies.

Not a lifestyle, not an ideology, certainly not "historical documents" or a plan for the future.

Just pure and simple entertainment.

 

[-Brett-]

Star Trek is not a valid topic of research. Particularly not at the graduate level. If this is sincere, find a more worthwhile use for your tuition. If it's some bizarre troll, find something better to do with your life.

 

[NTS]

Too bad you hold this opinion. As a cultural phenomenon and as part of what is termed popular culture in academic life I think Star Trek and it's fandom is one of the most interesting topics there is. People have studied literary sources like the work of H.G. Wells in western culture for decades or endlessly analysed paintings only viewed by the cultural elite. Why not grant Star Trek with its immense popularity the same academic respect? As a historical source it is very revealing concerning some of the values hold in Western societies and due to its long timespan also the evolution of those values. I'm sorry if it doesn't meet your academic standards but in my personal opinion I think it deserves academic time.

 

[SPCTRE]

Star Trek is not a valid topic of research. Particularly not at the graduate level. If this is sincere, find a more worthwhile use for your tuition. If it's some bizarre troll, find something better to do with your life.

 

[NTS]

I would read this thread if you're really interested.

http://www.trekbbs.com/showthread.php?t=267256

This is interesting!

 

[Cromwell]

All the shows mean different things.

"Deep Space Nine", the pièce de résistance, crafts a vibrant and busy world; the strange is commonplace and the diversity of humanity is appropriated and expanded upon by the myriad alien which inhabit the rich and amazing world.

Something that comes across the book, "Star Trek: In Myth and Legend", is the idea of the franchise as, essentially, the antithesis of "2001: A Space Odyssey", which paints space as an empty and foreboding world.

In Star Trek, emptiness in space is a rare phenomenon and, as exemplified in the "Voyager" episode "Night", a deeply depressing and damaging experience for human beings.

 

[IrishNero]

Star Trek is not a valid topic of research. Particularly not at the graduate level. If this is sincere, find a more worthwhile use for your tuition. If it's some bizarre troll, find something better to do with your life.

I sincerely doubt that the OP's research topic is simply 'Star Trek.' It's more likely a cultural study. In which case, Star Trek may be part of a large, valid study.

Based upon my own experience, I think you can study nearly anything at the graduate level as long as you formulate it, develop it and defend it as a valid topic.

 

[1001001]

Star Trek is not a valid topic of research. Particularly not at the graduate level. If this is sincere, find a more worthwhile use for your tuition. If it's some bizarre troll, find something better to do with your life.

Aren't you just a ray of sunshine?

You're the one who's dangerously close to trolling here.

Best to drop it. Thanks.

 

[T'Girl]

Space opera at it's best, action and adventure. Main characters who get to be the story's heroes.

 

[-Brett-]

You're the one who's dangerously close to trolling here.

 

[SPCTRE]

You're the one who's dangerously close to trolling here.

 

[IrishNero]