Learning from Mr. Spock: sci-fi as social commentary

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What if science fiction like the Star Trek series could teach us how to better understand and engage with the real world around us?

That is the premise of a collection of scholarly articles written by five cultural researchers from around the country, including UT's Hannah Gunderman, a doctoral student in the Department of Geography.

The papers apply a variety of social theories and geographic concepts to the legendary science fiction franchise. They also show how Star Trek has made relevant social and political commentary about each generation since its launch in the 1960s.


https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases ... 120717.php

Quite interesting, and here is a link:

Special Issue: The Geographies of Star Trek

Spock would be a really good role model, actually.

Despite his "logic-loving" persona, people tended to like him. Even Dr. McCoy.

Familiarity breeds both contempt and affection.

Data was a better role model. He aspired to be more than he was, to overcome his "nature" and to exceed his limitations.

Spock was one who sought to transcend his Vulcan aspects, too, even while embracing them.

He was a man who would have made an excellent ambassador or high-level military leader.

But he wasn't a man! He was a green-blooded inhuman!



Oh, and he genocided the Romulans (albeit accidentally).

Spock was always dumbfounded by emotional reactions: "It's highly illogical, Captain".

What a stupid "logic" if you consistently can't see that creatures have emotional reactions.

Spock actually rejects the logic of reality, and proclaims his perspective to be the truth.

I think it’s overcompensation, a defense for when his “human aspect” reveals itself.

Spock was great but Tuvok and some of the other Vulcans claimed to be unemotional while paradoxically getting angry at everyone. Tovuk was the most emotional character on the show yet he claimed to be unemotional.