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"One Foot In the Future..." |
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"One Foot In the Future..." |
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Some recent messages on the listserve have brought up the topic of how the press and the general public misunderstand and misrepresent us. Just about any of us can recall a horror story or two where we went out in public to help some charity, or just for recreation, only to face ridicule and stereotyping. During situations like these, we have to step back and evaluate who we are and what we stand for. I am probably most amused by the stereotyping: they always portray the STAR TREK "fan" as some homely, cheaply-costumed, fool with no "real" life. This is pure ignorance. The truth is that we are a highly diversified group of individuals. We come from a wide range of social, economic, and philosophical backgrounds. We are parents, we are professionals, and we are highly involved in our communities. As for homely, I have seen a hellava lot of good-looking people at our summits and conferences. Our levels of involvement in the fandom also cover a wide range. I do not have a uniform and just cannot seem to get interested in getting one. I do, however, have a large assortment of T-shirts and pullovers representing various parts of our organization that I do not hesitate to wear at work or anywhere else. Some of us just like the story lines, others are into the types of people they associate with through fandom, and still others take to heart some of the ideals presented in the movies and television episodes. I think that last reason is what has caused the most misunderstanding in those not part of our group. "It’s just a stupid TV show" is their battle cry. Our ability to look into the plots and story lines and see a bigger picture, a deeper meaning, has lead to the stereotype that we all sit around memorizing the combination to Kirk’s personal safe. (I, for one, am horrible at the trivia.) They cling to this image of us because they cannot fathom our ability to take inspiration from these shows and turn it into actions that better our society. I think very few of us hold the delusion that STAR TREK is an accurate prediction of our future. However, many us do hold that STAR TREK shows us the possibility that we can become better than what we are. It shows us that accepting those who are different for who they are, reaching out to others just because they need us to, and standing by what is right just because it is right can lead to a future we would all love to see. Instead of just seeing what is, we firmly plant one foot into the future to try and see what can be. This makes us different from the non-fans. This is what they cannot understand. And, this is what brings the ridicule upon us. I see this as a very small price to pay for being who I am. I would like their understanding. I would like their acceptance. However, I will just have to accept them for their inability to give me those for that is the STAR TREK way. At least, as I see it.
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