Racism/Sexism in Star Trek?

squiggy · **Tue Apr 17, 2007 10:49 am**

Glad I'm not the only person that believes this topic is based on hot air comming out of someone's orface of thier body.

Personally, I look at Star Trek, and the only form of XENOPHOBIA I see is in a few TOS episodes towards Klingons, notably Star Trek VI where shatner says "Let them die". However, I should point out that this is not Racism, per say, this is merely people fighting. He never called them any rude names, or discriminitory ones...with the exception of Star Trek III where he called Commander Kruge a "Klingon Bastard" but you note that the term Klingon was not derogetory, he had to add bastard, a term which can be directed at anyone to make it an insult. Personally I find it INSULTING that people would infer racism or sexism from star trek, and I believe Gene Roddenberry would roll-over in his grave if he heard of a topic like this one. "Voyager"...geez. That term has been used as people VOYAGING since before AUTOMOBILES existed...nothing to do with a mini-van.

Lord Borg · **Tue Apr 17, 2007 3:55 pm**

Um, sorry, no that wasn't Xenophobia, that'd be hating them because they are alien, Kirk hated them becuase the Klingons killed his son. The racism is implied by hating them due to being Klingon, not simply being an Alien.

Andi McDougal · **Tue Apr 17, 2007 3:59 pm**

I think it's kind of a funny topic to be honest. It's one of those things that makes you sit back, shake your head, and chuckle. The comment made by my coworker was a joke in regards to the fact that I like Voyager, he likes TOS. I just think it's funny at the reaction to his comment. You can find racism/sexism in any TV show, book, or video game. Now the question is, are we going to ban all the books, TV shows, and video games from being sold? Nah. That's just a bit over the top. It's just interesting to see the reaction some people give. You just have to know the difference between Reality and Fiction...and sometimes you can learn a valuable lesson from the fiction. Dunno...that's just my thoughts on it.

Avenger · Junior Cadet Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 19

Regarding racism within Starfleet and sexism within Star Trek in general, I'd say Lord Borg and Founder have made eloquent cases. As for the Klingon/Romulan issue, I'll say the following: Plenty of white actors have played Klingons. Examples include J.G. Hertzler as Martok (plus a few ENT Klingons and an aging bridge officer on Star Trek: Klingon), Charles Cooper as Korrd and K'mpec, Patrick Massett as Duras (son of Ja'Rod), and, of course, Barbara March and Gwynyth Walsh as Lursa and B'Etor, to name a few.

Now, it is true that there have been precious few non-white Vulcanoids, and none of them were given particularly prominent roles until Tim Russ played Tuvok on Voyage. However, it's worth mentioning that there have been at least two Black Romulans, namely Commander Sirol (played by Michael Mack) from the TNG episode "The Pegasus" and an unnamed Tal Shiar operative (played by Darwyn Carson) with whom Sisko communicates in "Improbable Cause." Moreover, unless I'm hallucinating, I'm pretty sure the Vulcan banging the ceremonial drum during the fal-tor-pan scene in Star Trek III is played by an Asian actor.

StarfleetCommand74656 · Captain Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 653 Location: On STV

Also I noticed something with the Romulans and Klingons. All romulans are White, smart, and arrogant, where all klingons are black, pretty dumb, and mindlessly violent. And both of the groups hate each other.

Romulans are the same race as Vulcans, and Tuvok is black, so there must be black Romulans. There are also white Klingons, and they aren't mindlessly violent. they're proud, honourable warriors (most of them, anyway)

Founder · **Thu May 03, 2007 1:29 pm Re: Racism/Sexism in Star Trek?**

Arellia · **Thu May 03, 2007 1:35 pm**

I must agree with Founder. Especially the Klingon thing. I take personal offense as a lifetime member of the Klingon empire.

Let's not forget B'Oraq, a white, amazing surgeon, or Kurak, the Klingon scientist who appeared on TNG. Also white, also really smart. Martok was obviously great. The entirety of Worf's family, if you know their history, was brilliant and also probably of the darker skin.

JupiterPrime · Lieutenant Joined: 13 Mar 2006 Posts: 208

StarfleetCommand74656 · Captain Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 653 Location: On STV

The first bit of my post was quoting whoever started this threadnd bit was my opinion. The 'quote thing didn't work.

Omok · Lieutenant Joined: 28 Mar 2007 Posts: 170

StarfleetCommand74656 · Captain Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 653 Location: On STV

Good point. But we're talking about humasn who made the show here.
The interracial thing on Vulcan got to me though. the only black Vulcan woman we see is a black Vulcan man's wife- tuvok's

Omok · Lieutenant Joined: 28 Mar 2007 Posts: 170

JupiterPrime · Lieutenant Joined: 13 Mar 2006 Posts: 208

StarfleetCommand74656 · Captain Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 653 Location: On STV

JupiterPrime · Lieutenant Joined: 13 Mar 2006 Posts: 208

uuumm - again - I dont get it.

Was there something else you were going to say ?
You seem to have just quoted the above, but didnt respond

StarfleetCommand74656 · Captain Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 653 Location: On STV

Underneath Onoks post, teh 2 lines- thats my bit.

As for this debate, I suppose theres valid arguments for both sides of the coin. I think I will depart this thread...