Star Trek's Impact on American Society Essay Example
For many people, nothing is quite as captivating as good television. A good show has a lot of power, and there have been many good shows. In the history of television, however, few shows have been quite as influential as the Star Trek series were. Star Trek has something for everyone: accurate science for sci fi nerds, great plots and actors for traditional T.V. lovers, and hopeful ideas of a future with world peace and no poverty for optimists. However, one part of Star Trek that appeals to almost all who watch the show is the mindset of equality for all, no matter gender, race, or alien species. Star Trek’s humanistic social commentary inspired those who watched it, especially subjugated groups, and as a result, the mentality that was developed was one of hope and breaking barriers, which in turn led to a progression in America’s societal mentality. This was able to occur because the humanistic values that are championed by Star Trek are the natural tendencies of human nature. Star Trek simpply brought these values to the forefront of the American mind. The Star Trek franchise began around the same time as two very important equal rights political movements of the 60’s: the women’s rights movement and the civil rights movement.
1966, the year in which Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) first aired, was politically and socially a very chaotic time. The women’s rights movement was beginning to build momentum, and many reforms were starting to actualize, including the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Griswold v Connecticut Supreme Court case in 1965 (the right to use contraceptives), the formation of NOW (National Organization for Women) in 1966, and the extension of affirmative action to include women in 1967. At a time when a woman holding a job outside of being a housewife or some sort of secretary was unheard of, actresses were expected to play these roles, and these roles alone. Similar restrictions and reforms had to be overcome by African Americans with the
1966, the year in which Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) first aired, was politically and socially a very chaotic time. The women’s rights movement was beginning to build momentum, and many reforms were starting to actualize, including the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Griswold v Connecticut Supreme Court case in 1965 (the right to use contraceptives), the formation of NOW (National Organization for Women) in 1966, and the extension of affirmative action to include women in 1967. At a time when a woman holding a job outside of being a housewife or some sort of secretary was unheard of, actresses were expected to play these roles, and these roles alone. Similar restrictions and reforms had to be overcome by African Americans with the