TOS most sexist episodes/moments

[Gary7]

. . . Reminds me of Kirk’s description of childish mischief, including such things as “dipping little girls’ curls in inkwells.” I bet that’s really common with 23rd century kids.

Inkwells and the kind of pens you have to dip in them were quite obsolete even in the 1960s (except for artists and calligraphers, who still use them today.) I'm sure Kirk was intentionally using an archaic reference for the sake of humor.

So was "tying cans to the neighbor's trees". You know, blowing in the wind you'd get all that clatter. That's even way before my time.



It was the late 1960's... sexism was still every much alive and tolerated. So, it's no surprise to see some of it littered about Star Trek. Remember, even having a female 1st officer (The Cage/Menagerie) was unheard of then. That's why it wasn't until TNG that we saw female captains (e.g. Garrett, of NCC-1701C) and admirals (e.g. Nechayev for one--there were several who appeared). Anyway, TOS was extremely progressive for the day. It's easy to forget that in the context of today.

 

[scotpens]

. . . Remember, even having a female 1st officer (The Cage/Menagerie) was unheard of then.

It was unheard of for women to serve aboard naval vessels in any capacity, other than nurses on hospital ships. Even in “The Cage,” Capt. Pike indicates that he's uncomfortable having a woman on the bridge (referring to the female Yeoman), suggesting that women on starships is still a fairly recent phenomenon.

(Then, realizing he may have offended his First Officer, he quickly says to Number One, “You're . . . different, of course.” Hmmm . . . )

 

[Ensign_Redshirt]

From Tomorrow is Yesterday:

KIRK: Captain's log, supplemental. Engineering Officer Scott informs warp engines damaged, but can be made operational and reenergised.
COMPUTER: Computed and recorded, dear.
KIRK: Computer, you will not address me in that manner. Compute.
COMPUTER: Computed, dear.
KIRK: Mister Spock, I ordered this computer and its interlinking systems repaired.
SPOCK: I have investigated it, Captain. To correct the fault will require an overhaul of the entire computer system and a minimum of three weeks at a Starbase.
KIRK: I wouldn't mind so much if it didn't get so affectionate.
SPOCK: It also has an unfortunate tendency to giggle.
CHRISTOPHER: I take it that a lady computer is not routine.
SPOCK: We put in at Cygnet Fourteen for general repair and maintenance. Cygnet Fourteen is a planet dominated by women. They seemed to feel the ship's computer system lacked a personality. They gave it one. Female, of course.

I think the most interesting aspect is that "Tomorrow Is Yesterday" was in fact written by a woman. Mhmm...

 

[scotpens]

I think the most interesting aspect is that “Tomorrow Is Yesterday” was in fact written by a woman. Mhmm...

It's also worth noting that the Enterprise's computer normally speaks in a female voice -- although it's a robotic monotone (accompanied by teletype noise!) with no “personality.”

 

[Captrek]

I think the most interesting aspect is that “Tomorrow Is Yesterday” was in fact written by a woman. Mhmm...

It's also worth noting that the Enterprise's computer normally speaks in a female voice -- although it's a robotic monotone (accompanied by teletype noise!) with no “personality.”

It sounds like Majel had a lot of fun recording her lines in TIY.

 

[cgervasi]

The idea that she couldn't face rebuilding her life at that age in a completely new environment has to be sexist?

In the story she was young enough to have at least one child b/c the Talosian were going to use her to breed a race of slaves. So I don't accept the idea that it was about starting over at an old age.

 

[cgervasi]

If Pike understood her reasons and thought they were good enough, maybe it was because he would make a similar decision for himself in similar circumstances... and he eventually did, after his own accident he (albeit with a help from Spock, who guessed what Pike wanted) chose to live a life of illusion where he was still a healthy, able-bodied, attractive man he used to be, rather than a disfigured, disabled burn victim in a wheelchair.

I understand what you're saying, but "everything worked" on Vina's body, while Pike was completely disabled. We don't know whether Pike would have wanted a live of illusion on Talos if the accident had left him disfigured but not at all disabled. It's hard to imagine other characters discussing an able-bodied Pike's decision to live with the Talosians: Isn't Captain Pike leaving Talos? No, and I agreed with his reasons.

 

[cgervasi]

I will say I'm the only person I know that seems to see this scene in this way. Most people I know do appear to find it funny. Is no one else squeamish about our hero's actions in this episode?

I justified by the idea that Kirk was a slave too in this situation with even less power than Drusilla. It even seems like Drusilla may be under orders to manipulate Kirk by saying she has been ordered to be "his slave". Kirk can't even be sure she really is a slave, the nature of her relationship with Marcus, or how much freedom she has.

Marcus later tells Kirk he didn't send Drusilla to manipulate Kirk, but it's impossible to trust him.