Why do some people so passionately hate Rod Roddenberry?
- Thread starter Stoek
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Personally, I am indifferent to the guy, but I think the gist is that Rod grew up hating his dad while Gene Roddenberry was alive, and wanted nothing to do with Star Trek , until he decided to do a documentary a couple years ago called Trek Nation, where the premise was he was trying rediscover his dad and come to terms with his resentment of him, by researching Star Trek fandom. I think that rubbed a lot of fans the wrong way, because from their point of view, he was just trying to exploit fans' interest to turn a buck. Whether that is true or not, only Rod Roddenberry knows.
^^^ and I've heard that his attempt is a result of having grown up, changed, and sincerely wanting to re-discover his father's legacy and all that... or he just waited until everyone died so that he could cash in on ST, something he had no interest in previously.
Depends on which story one wants to believe, I guess.
Depends on which story one wants to believe, I guess.
Personally, I've never understood it. I've met Rod a couple of times. He was always nice and personable. I saw Trek Nation, and it didn't feel exploitative to me. It did seem like a young man who was trying to understand his father who died while he (Rod) was still at a relatively young age to lose both parents.
I think that much of the resentment has to do with the heroworship that many have toward Gene Roddenberry. I'm guessing many feel like "NOBODY should harbor any ill feelings toward him, especially his son." I think it's hard for many to come to terms with the fact that people they admire are always less than perfect, and Rod may be a reminder of that, because while Gene was a talented man who had some very good qualities and ideas, he was not a god, and seemingly not the best father or husband in the world.
I may be completely wrong about this. But I think it's along these lines.
I think that much of the resentment has to do with the heroworship that many have toward Gene Roddenberry. I'm guessing many feel like "NOBODY should harbor any ill feelings toward him, especially his son." I think it's hard for many to come to terms with the fact that people they admire are always less than perfect, and Rod may be a reminder of that, because while Gene was a talented man who had some very good qualities and ideas, he was not a god, and seemingly not the best father or husband in the world.
I may be completely wrong about this. But I think it's along these lines.
LOL, no not at all. That is just the common belief and what I always hear about the guy. I was just making a comment; nothing directed at you at all. Sorry if it came across that way.
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I'm mixed on it. I guess it's my cynicism at play, but some part of me does want to think Rod found a way to cash in on the Star Trek property. That, fortunately, is the quieter side. The more optimistic part of me says that Rod genuinely started wondering just what the hell the big deal was with his father's creation, and why so many people were drawn to it. Rod saw his dad as an authority figure and missing presence. We got to see Gene's creativity, and optimism. Put it all together, and it makes an interesting portrait of the man.
As for Rod himself, I have nothing against him. From all I've seen, he's a pretty decent guy.
As for Rod himself, I have nothing against him. From all I've seen, he's a pretty decent guy.
That's a good question. I have no issue with him or the fact that he is trying to make a buck with the family name. In any case, it doesn't seem a good enough reason (to me) to have a hate on for the guy.
I remember years ago when Justman and Solow's book on Star Trek came out and it contained quite a bit of unflattering stories about Gene Rodenberry. Some fans were very pissed and refused to believe any of it despite the fact that these two guys were producers on the show. Idolatry tends to blind certain people.
I don't get the hate either. I didn't really like Trek Nation and I do think Rod adds fuel into the "Roddenberry is God, Star Trek changed the world!" mania which annoys me at times, but he has always come across to me as a pretty average guy who can even be likable on occasion. I've enjoyed his few appearances on the Mission Log podcast for example.
And if People think Rod is Milking Star Trek....well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree
And if People think Rod is Milking Star Trek....well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree
I've seen him twice at conventions. Each time he went up on stage to promote his website. Whether he intended it to or not, it came off as a sales pitch, it felt like he was trying to cash in on his dad's name. I don't know if that's what he's trying to do, but when he was on stage that's how it came off. And that I think rubbed people the wrong way
I don't hate him, and I thought that Trek Nation was great. I wish that there were more Trek-related documentaries out there, any opportunity to document and preserve behind-the-scenes stories and details while people are still with us is always welcome.
True.
But also Nimoy, Stewart, Moore, Sternbach, Goldsmith... fans always find someone to love, too.
Works both ways, fans aren't unduly cruel.
I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. You really never know the things that drive family dynamics, and relationships. I listen to his "Mission Log" podcast religiously, although he doesn't host it, John Champion and Ken (Mac OS Ken) Ray do. He has appeared a few times as a guest, and he doesn't rub me the wrong way.
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