Why is Star Trek fandom different than Star Wars?

[Kor]

^ Yes, elsewhere on this BBS, TrekLit author Christopher has explained that such phenomena, as well as beings like Q and Organians, are basically a bunch of magic.

I mean, just think about Counselor Troi sensing emotions from computer-powered Data when he had his new chip installed.

Kor

 

[T'Girl]

I submit that it's generally easier for sci-fi audiences to posit the development of technology than it is for them to believe in the mystical.

Audiences probably put them both at the same level.

 

[Kor]

^ Yep. And the trappings are so similar that, much to our consternation, the casual movie-going public often doesn't even realize that there is any difference at all between Star Trek and Star Wars.

Kor

 

[martok2112]

And let us not forget:

Any sufficiently advanced technology can be easily mistaken for magic.

But seriously, I put the same stock in Star Trek that I do Star Wars.
I only want one thing: Entertain me.

To try and go beyond that is to do a great disservice to itself.

Thank you.

 

[Arpy]

Again, these are false equivalences. There are many more hours of Trek and when it indulges in popular mysticism, it does so for fun and usually tries to take the ride in a sober way. Wars tells a fairy tail in space and isn't concerned with anything but shifting the details to a different setting. They're not far apart, but they're not the same. And I would hate for an EP of a series to think they are. Trek is best when it does its best not to be unrealistic.

 

[T'Girl]

Star Trek has gone with the damsel in distress a few times, the quest for a legendary sword (Kahless's), dozens of noble battles, and heroes - lot's of heroes.

Any sufficiently advanced technology can be easily mistaken for magic

The opposite is likely true as well.





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[drt]

Back to the original question regarding fandoms, one thing that's seems different (and even more apparent since the news of the new ST show) is that Star Wars fans seem to have a lot more fun with their property, Trek fans seem to take the whole thing way too seriously.

 

[T'Girl]

^ Bop over to stardestroyer.net sometime and get a fast overdose on just how serious rabid Star Wars fans can get

 

[eyeresist]

But there are plenty of "mystical" things in Star Trek as well, Vulcan and Betazed ESP powers, telekinesis from various aliens, all of which are essentially the equivalent of "Jedi" powers.

I suspect I'm not alone in trying to ignore/compartmentalise that stuff.

I guess Jawas are cooler because of the hoodies and the landcrawler, which shows accessories do matter.

Sandcrawler, obviously. Too late to edit the original post.

 

[The Wormhole]

Back to the original question regarding fandoms, one thing that's seems different (and even more apparent since the news of the new ST show) is that Star Wars fans seem to have a lot more fun with their property, Trek fans seem to take the whole thing way too seriously.

Star Wars fandom has its lunatic fringe just as much as Trek fandom and really any fandom does.

 

[M.A.C.O.]

Star Trek fans don't let their dislike for certain movies (PT) eclipse their love for another set of movies (OT).

Trek fans can let a bad movie go. Haha

 

[T'Girl]

I suspect I'm not alone in trying to ignore/compartmentalise that stuff

If you compartmentalize "the force" is te majority of Star Wars pretty straight up science fiction, romantic subplots and poitical drama?

 

[eyeresist]

Thinking about the issue another way, in terms of "brows":

Star Wars is lowbrow. It's concerned with exciting the senses and stimulating the emotions, and is not concerned with ideas or moral questions - the good guys triumph and the baddies are cast down.

Star Trek is middlebrow. It justifies its entertainment qualities with moral lessons, and demonstrates awareness of ideas (history, science, sociology, philosophy) which it illustrates in its stories.

 

[martok2112]

Thinking about the issue another way, in terms of "brows":

Star Wars is lowbrow. It's concerned with exciting the senses and stimulating the emotions, and is not concerned with ideas or moral questions - the good guys triumph and the baddies are cast down.

Star Trek is middlebrow. It justifies its entertainment qualities with moral lessons, and demonstrates awareness of ideas (history, science, sociology, philosophy) which it illustrates in its stories.

Which means StarGate SG-1 in Unabrow!

 

[Mr. Adventure]

I think it comes down to presentation. Star Trek being born from television is part of the living room and family. These are people who while extraordinary are people we could project ourselves into and strive to be.

Star Wars is born on the big screen and is bigger than life. Star Wars thrills us with a world bigger than our own and epic adventures and derring-do. While people like to dress up as Star Wars and imagine I don't think many see themselves as Luke or Han.

I don't know that one is better than the other, I think they appeal to different parts of ourselves.

 

[martok2112]

Star Trek has gone with the damsel in distress a few times, the quest for a legendary sword (Kahless's), dozens of noble battles, and heroes - lot's of heroes.

Any sufficiently advanced technology can be easily mistaken for magic

The opposite is likely true as well.





.

Any sufficiently advanced magic can be easily mistaken for technology?

 

[eyeresist]

Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced.

 

[martok2112]

Ahhhhhh.....

I am insufficiently confused.

 

[T'Girl]

Star Wars is lowbrow. It's concerned with exciting the senses and stimulating the emotions, and is not concerned with ideas or moral questions - the good guys triumph and the baddies are cast down.

How would you describe the last two "Star Trek" movies?

and demonstrates awareness of ideas (history, science, sociology, philosophy)

Previous question, rinse and repeat.

 

[BillJ]

Star Wars is lowbrow. It's concerned with exciting the senses and stimulating the emotions, and is not concerned with ideas or moral questions - the good guys triumph and the baddies are cast down.

We're in a sad place when we cast a movie that sets out to entertain the audience as "lowbrow".