The Needs Of The Many... You Know The Rest
Image: Viacom/CBS
Once upon a time there lived a man.
This man was a dreamer.
This man had hopes and visions of a better future.
A future built upon true equality and mutual respect.
This man was named, Gene Roddenberry.
Gene had an idea, and he wanted to share that idea... and his dreams for a better future. He did that, through a television series called Star Trek.
Cue the music, and say it with me, everyone...
"Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. It's five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before."
Via: Giphy
On September 8, 1966 America heard these words for the first time when Star Trek made its debut on NBC at 8:30 pm with an episode called, “The Man Trap.” I wonder if Gene Roddenberry had any idea of what he was starting when his scrappy, low-budget series aired for the first time 54 years ago. Could he imagine it would spin off seven live-action television series (with more on the way). Two animated series. 13 movies. Toys. Games. Comics. Movies. A language (Klingon). Did he know the influence it would have on popular culture, scientists, designers, engineers? Did he know the world he created would influence technological innovations - like cell phones and plasma tv's?
I admit it. I'm a die hard Trekkie, and I’m not afraid to let my red shirt geek flag fly. I grew up in a home with a dad who talked about tribbles and transporters. Who told us our Tang was "Tranya". And quoted pearls of Star Trek wisdom at opportune (and inopportune) moments like some of these gems:
All your people must learn before you can reach for the stars.-Kirk, "The Gamesters of Triskelion"
Change is the essential process of all existence.-Spock
After a time, you may find that "having" is not so pleasing a thing,
after all, as "wanting." It is not logical, but it is often true. -Spock, "Amok Time"
A little suffering is good for the soul. -Kirk, "The Corbomite Maneuver"
Image: Viacom/CBS
Thanks a lot, Captain Kirk. My dad was a particular fan of that one.
Hey. Wisdom is wisdom no matter who says it. I love all things Trek, and am a big fan of The Next Generation (especially you, Wil Wheaton), Voyager, and the recent J.J. Abrams movie reboots. But there's just something about the 1960's series that draws me in. I'm not sure why really, maybe I prefer the way Kirk handled situations with his fists, unlike Picard who used a more diplomatic approach. Maybe it's Khaaaaaaan! Maybe its the cheesy effects. Maybe it's The Gorn - one of the worst/funniest fight sequences ever filmed. It scared the crap out of me as a kid. (Yes. This is currently my screensaver on my phone and I also have the Gorn/Kirk garden Gnome. Don’t judge).
Image: Viacom/CBS
Maybe it's just based on the fact that Spock was completely badass!
Whatever the case may be, one thing that is undeniable is the legacy the show created. To all my fellow Trekkies I say... Live Long and Prosper. And Happy Birthday, Star Trek! Here’s to 54 more years!
Photo: Fashion and Fandom