http://www.vulture.com/2018/01/deep-space-nine-revolutionary-depiction-of-black-fatherhood.html
Great article on the Sisko/Jake relationship.
Great article on the Sisko/Jake relationship.
Vulture Article: Deep Space Nine Is TV's Most Revolutionary Depiction Of Black Fatherhood
- Thread starter Sakonna
- Start date
I can easily say that Sisko influenced my views on fatherhood since the series aired: it did. In the back of my mind, I always fear that we Trekkies/-ers are too self-congratulatory, and that my own opinions might be a reflection of a type of cultural provincialism. It's nice to see that not only can the portrayal of Sisko inspire African-Americans, it can appeal to women and still has the power to draw in new people. (Disclosure: I'm not African American,but I am Hispanic, for what it's worth.)
Seeing a strong, brave man raising his son in becoming a man is a sight for great television for me. In particular in the 1st three seasons of the series; Ben & Jake's bond was one of the many reasons why I loved the series. When Jake's role diminished for Martok and Vic and many many many many many other sideline guest stars receiving more attention to the plots, I thought the series lost something special with those characters.
It was disgraceful placing Jake as "a writer" knowing full well, this was their avenue to write off the character, while his best bud Nog gets more involvement in the upcoming plots. Jake could've been an architect or a designer- -something where Benjamin and him could be further involved in his development in becoming a man. Since the War with the Maquis, the Klingons then after the Dominion was a prime redundancy for the remaining of the series run. The ending of the series didn't do any sort of justice for the character and that's a shame.
As for when Jake was a kid, and Jadzia being sort of his foster mother, Benjamin found the balance to raise his son and also learn from his son about loads of social topics we as viewers can learn from. Those topics expressed how much Benjamin Sisko, a grown man, had some tough learning to do with himself. I think this one of the core things about single parenting; the parent and the sibling has to compensate when one parent is gone, both characters embrace that mother role when they needed it. It was a wonderful touch and was sorely missed after "The Visitor". Jake was always around but was not as integral to the series after; more Par Wraiths and other war gimmicks to catch up on in that show.
I can't express much more there isn't enough black people on Star Trek- -even to be cast as aliens, when other shows in the other side of the world, Europe, & Australia, are embracing diversity. Discovery, in 2017 and 2018 continues to miss the boat.
It was disgraceful placing Jake as "a writer" knowing full well, this was their avenue to write off the character, while his best bud Nog gets more involvement in the upcoming plots. Jake could've been an architect or a designer- -something where Benjamin and him could be further involved in his development in becoming a man. Since the War with the Maquis, the Klingons then after the Dominion was a prime redundancy for the remaining of the series run. The ending of the series didn't do any sort of justice for the character and that's a shame.
As for when Jake was a kid, and Jadzia being sort of his foster mother, Benjamin found the balance to raise his son and also learn from his son about loads of social topics we as viewers can learn from. Those topics expressed how much Benjamin Sisko, a grown man, had some tough learning to do with himself. I think this one of the core things about single parenting; the parent and the sibling has to compensate when one parent is gone, both characters embrace that mother role when they needed it. It was a wonderful touch and was sorely missed after "The Visitor". Jake was always around but was not as integral to the series after; more Par Wraiths and other war gimmicks to catch up on in that show.
I can't express much more there isn't enough black people on Star Trek- -even to be cast as aliens, when other shows in the other side of the world, Europe, & Australia, are embracing diversity. Discovery, in 2017 and 2018 continues to miss the boat.
I am a father myself now, and am white European...and Sisko and Jake are touchstones for me too. I think the Sisko Family transcends such simple pigeonholing, and is for everyone, if they bother looking.