TOS try again....

[Kor]

^ Based on off-screen background material from TOS, Sulu was intended as a "Pan-asian" character. The name "Sulu" isn't even a real Japanese surname. The name was taken from the Sulu Sea, by the Philippines.

Uhura's name comes from Swahili for "freedom." She was intended to be from "The United States of Africa," an entity that obviously doesn't exist in the 20th and early 21st centuries.

The idea is that hundreds of years in the future, humans are more united than they are today, and certain tribal or ethnic boundaries may be much more fluid.

And yes, Montalban grew up in Mexico, and his parents were both from Spain. He wore darker makeup for the role of Khan in "Space Seed." Before finding out Khan's exact identity, Marla McGivers conjectures that he is a Sikh from northern India.

Kor

 

[Melakon]

and Cho is Korean not Japanese.

Well, George Takei is technically American of Japanese descent, born in California. I think he asked Roddenberry about it, and was told Sulu represents all Asian nations. In The Voyage Home, Sulu says he was born in San Francisco.

 

[Poltargyst]

Personally as a Latina, I miss the Frito Bandito.

Ay yi ya yi ...

As a kid I liked that guy. And Fritos. I was too young to know it was offensive.

 

[Maurice]

Personally as a Latina, I miss the Frito Bandito.

Ay yi ya yi ...

The Bandito was retired due to the efforts of the National Mexican-American Anti-Defamation Committee.

I can't speak to the claims that whites retired Speedy Gonzales, but apparently the Taco Bell Chihuahua was put down because the ads weren't working and sales dropped.

 

[Ralphis]

Instead of a remake, I'd do the second five-year mission. It's a good jumping on point for new fans, and could lead to a spinoff or two. The 2270's seems like an interesting time.
I'd have on the CW just so that it's on free TV. They do OK with genre show. And I would have a full season as opposed to 13 episodes.
But that's just me. I know most probably think it's all a bad idea.

 

[Maurice]

Star Trek is expensive to produce. A smallish network with smallish audiences couldnt afford it.