The episode I choose to write on is the Day of the Dove, of Star Trek: The original series. In so far as Star Trek episodes go, this one is not very highly acclaimed. I choosing it has more to do with a certain explicit hypocrisy that I cannot come to terms with. The episode attempts to talk about on the most controversial subjects in human history, that of race. Yet in doing so it commits a few very naïve and grave mistakes.
The prime argument I will make will center on the fact that despite discussing racism and stressing the message of United we stand, the episode succumbs to the cliché of displaying the species with the darker skin to be morally and intellectually weaker to the Caucasian. There was a clear lack of color diversity that should be present within any planetary group that has evolved on a planet of their own.
The argument can only be countered by supposing that the cast of the episode chose to send a discreet message to the viewer and play a pun per se. This was neither very effective nor humorous.
As far as the story comes out, the intention is noble but the manner it was presented threatens to make it a hypocrite. Racial diversity in the cast and a more logical balance between the two powers in question would go far to address most of the issues. On a positive light, it would be encouraging to see that a sci-fi episode in the 60’s could use subtle metaphors to discuss issues as serious as these.
You seem to be saying that through "Day of The Dove" the writers of Star Trek are making an argument on the basis of racial divide. The main evidence for this argument seems to be the superior role of the lighter skinned population compared to that of the darker toned individuals. Although the MLK Jr. reference isn't the most timely, racism and prejudice will, most likely, always be a timely issue. Have you considered relating this argument to more up to date cases of racial discrimination? I see the issues of discrimintaion in the workplace and even common stereotypes present in today's culture as strong points to possibly connect on. It seems that these could be potential problems in both Star Trek and in the real world. I think that analyzing this episode and discrimination in the real world together could be fruitful because it is still a hot issue today even though many people don't see it as evidently as during the Civil Rights Movement that you recognized; furthermore, it is still a problem not only in many parts of the world, but even in present day America.
ReplyDelete