?+?=u

[RobertScorpio]

Using your gifted abilities to gage the mind of the casual person out there, what, as of today, is the general poplations's current stereotypical image of a "star trek" fan. Are we lumped in with other scifi fans of other franchises like Star Wars? Or, do we inhabit our own special corner in the what could be called the 'collective' mind of culture.

We all know, if you have been to Trek conventions, that there are various degrees of trek fans. And while I may not dress up like a Romulan, or a Klingon, when I go to conventions, I actually respect those who do and always try to talk with them, so long as it doesn't get me a Bat'leth in the butt.

But does our 'aloof' images scare off potential new fans? I actually don't think so, but I would love to see the various opinions out there on this topic of Trek fandom.

Rob
scorpio

 

[Chuckling]

Using your gifted abilities to gage the mind of the casual person out there, what, as of today, is the general poplations's current stereotypical image of a "star trek" fan. Are we lumped in with other scifi fans of other franchises like Star Wars? Or, do we inhabit our own special corner in the what could be called the 'collective' mind of culture.

We all know, if you have been to Trek conventions, that there are various degrees of trek fans. And while I may not dress up like a Romulan, or a Klingon, when I go to conventions, I actually respect those who do and always try to talk with them, so long as it doesn't get me a Bat'leth in the butt.

But does our 'aloof' images scare off potential new fans? I actually don't think so, but I would love to see the various opinions out there on this topic of Trek fandom.

Rob
scorpio

As Trek fans surely we admire the values espoused in Trek? Regardless of how other races or species act or interact, we choose what dictates our actions. We don't allow other beings choices to dictate our own.

Regardless of our own individual loyalties, we allow other creatures to make their choices and celebrate diversity.

Believe it or not, I think that makes a difference to the Trek fanbase. It's always interesting to recognise the differences between various fanbases and what draws stereotypes to one or the other.

For instance, why do *Star Wars* fans like the idea of good and evil being the two sides of one coin regarding the Force?

Chuckling

 

[RobertScorpio]

I had never thought about that chuckling....one of my close friends is a big time star wars fan..I will ask him that..

Rob

 

[sbk1234]

To answer your question, I am sad to say that I think the general public really has as little respect for sci-fi fans as ever. Most, I think, don't even know there is a difference between Star Wars and Star Trek, for instance.
While I personally don't care if others like what I like or not, it is a shame that there still seems to be a social stigma attached to being a sci-fi fan.

 

[Chuckling]

I had never thought about that chuckling....one of my close friends is a big time star wars fan..I will ask him that..

Rob

Hi Rob,

Examine your own interest in "Star Trek". Why your devotion to that franchise? What attracts you to the philosophy behind it?

Is it the idea of universal acceptance regardless of individual differences? Something "Star Wars" barely even touches on.

When you watch attendees at conventions etc., I've observed that their behaviors often mimic their reason for being there. (Watch the wrestling fans some time )

Chuckling

 

[emmymme]

I agree that most people who aren't sci-fi fans aren't going to differentiate between star trek fans or star wars ones... there's just this general image of the 'geek' super into sci fi. I don't think it scares off new fans but I do think it scares off people from admitting they're fans - because there's the impression of no middle ground, either an extreme fan or a non-viewer - so casual watchers don't want to stereotype themselves.

 

[Michael]

At first I thought this thread somehow was about the episodes The Enemy Within and Second Chances as their respective German titles are Kirk:2=? and Riker:2=?.

 

[RobertScorpio]

At first I thought this thread somehow was about the episodes The Enemy Within and Second Chances as their respective German titles are Kirk:2=? and Riker:2=?.

Hah!.. I never knew that. Is there as list of german titles somewhere??

Rob
scorpio

 

[Sector 7]

To answer your question, I am sad to say that I think the general public really has as little respect for sci-fi fans as ever. Most, I think, don't even know there is a difference between Star Wars and Star Trek, for instance.
While I personally don't care if others like what I like or not, it is a shame that there still seems to be a social stigma attached to being a sci-fi fan.

From my experience, most people are accepting of Sci-Fi on TV and the big screen. However, I do think the perception of fans, in general, is not good. Mainly because of the costume-wearers and those who want to argue when someone doesn't remember which shirt Kirk had on in a particular episode.
As always, a few bad apples....

 

[Wonderlust King]

I always get asked, "so like, do you speak klingon and stuff?" or people tell me that they love "Doctor Spock" and then they do the hand gesture. I think there a lot of stereotypes cast upon Star Trek fans.

 

[THE_FETT]

The stereotypical image of Star Trek/Star Wars/Lord of the Rings/Batman/etc. fans are that they're immature nerds. Pale geeks. Pimplefaced dorks.

For instance, why do *Star Wars* fans like the idea of good and evil being the two sides of one coin regarding the Force?

Good and evil aren't two sides of one coin in Star Wars, and the force isn't a moral compass. The force is an energy field created by life. A Jedi uses this energy field to derive his power. It doesn't dictate his ideology. Of course, the force has a dark side, which means drawing your power from emotions like hate. You can use that power for good or for evil, though it's easier to go toward evil if the emotions you use for strength are things like hatred. But the dark side isn't synonymous with evil, and the force isn't an ethical philosophy.

 

[RobertScorpio]

The stereotypical image of Star Trek/Star Wars/Lord of the Rings/Batman/etc. fans are that they're immature nerds. Pale geeks. Pimplefaced dorks.

For instance, why do *Star Wars* fans like the idea of good and evil being the two sides of one coin regarding the Force?

Good and evil aren't two sides of one coin in Star Wars, and the force isn't a moral compass. The force is an energy field created by life. A Jedi uses this energy field to derive his power. It doesn't dictate his ideology. Of course, the force has a dark side, which means drawing your power from emotions like hate. You can use that power for good or for evil, though it's easier to go toward evil if the emotions you use for strength are things like hatred. But the dark side isn't synonymous with evil, and the force isn't an ethical philosophy.

Does spock roll those joints himself?

But yes, I agree with your Force discription. I am a casual fan of Star Wars, and I do think there is a message in there about power corrupting absolutely.

But, then again? From NEW HOPE onward I think Darth was trying to protect his son from the Emperor. I see Darth as a tragic character, and the real star of that entire series...which is why I think the STAR WARS live action scripted show will fail..with out Darth/Anikan, that show will not last long..IMO

Rob
Scorpio