Second Essay Reading

Copyright © 1999. SUNY Press. All rights reserved.
May not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except fair uses permitted under U.S. or
“Star Trek to Me
Is a Way of Life”
Fan Expressions of
Star Trek Philosophy
MICHAEL JINDRA
cctar Trek to me is a way of life” writes a

Star Trek fan on the Internet. Similar
declarations are often made by other
fans on the Internet, in letters, or in personal discussions.‘ Star Trek has
indeed become a way of life for many of its fans. This should not be too
surprising, given the serious moral issues that the various Star Trek install
ments frequently address. In fact, it could be said that the most solid evi
dence of the close relationship between Star Trek and religion can be seen
in the activities of the fans and the way they have taken a media produc
tion and turned it into an unprecedented fan phenomenon. In this chap
ter, I will journey into fandom and look specifically at some of the ways
Star Trek philosophy has become a passion for many of its fans.
Previous chapters in this volume have pointed out Star Irek’s “reli
applicable copyright law.
gious position,” its roots in Gene Roddenberry’s optimistic philosophy,

and its emphasis on science, progress and technology. Here, I focus on
how Star Tirek philosophy is expressed by fans who have found Star Trek
to be an admirable presentation of their own beliefs in a “hopeful future.”
This philosophy has been effectively portrayed by the vivid, optimistic,
and consistent universe that has drawn millions of fans across the world
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Star Trek, Religion, and American Culture
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218 MICHAEL JINDRA
into the complex technology, alien worlds, and character histories of the
Copyright © 1999. SUNY Press. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except fair uses permitted under U.S. or
Star Eek universe (Zoglin 1994). For many fans, this folk philosophy pro
vides guidance in a pluralistic, often meaningless postmodern world.
Because fandom is so large, it is also diverse, as any look at the myr
iad of Internet Star Eek discussion groups will indicate. Sometimes fans
criticize other fans for their “excessive” devotion. Fans have consistently
criticized Paramount (the company that produces Star Eek) for its inat—
tention to consistency or to “Gene’s vision,” and its focus on getting as
much money as possible from the franchise. Some fans simply sit back
and enjoy the episodes, while others extract something deeper from the
stories. In this sense, I distinguish the “casual” fan, who occasionally
enjoys the show without participating in fan activities, from the “serious”
fan, who is drawn in and captivated by the Star Eek universe and partic
ipates in fan activities. Serious fan activity is commonly signified by fan
collections of Star Eek episodes on videotapes, or assorted collections of
Eek-related merchandise or Star Eek books or manuals. Convention
attendance can also indicate a serious fan, but many serious fans cannot
or will not go to conventions. This article applies mostly to serious fans,
though I believe the philosophy of Star Eek also reflects the views of
many casual fans.
STAR TREK AS FOLK PHILOSOPHY
Star Eek presents us with an enlightened, humanistic, peace

ful, respectful, hopeful vision of the future. Comparing my
own world and moralities to the examples that Star Eek makes
is the way I find meaning in the Star Eek universe.
—Internet message, Strek-L listserv
Instead of overt philosophies or religions marked by doctrines or creeds,

many Star Eek fans adhere to a vision of a universe, portrayed in narra
tive form in books and film and on television. This substitution of a
worldview expressed in narrative form for one expressed in propositions

means that Star Eek has taken on largely mythological functions (cf.
McLaren in this volume). In this sense, Star Eek is a “folk philosophy”
since it has a large following without being overly institutionalized or cod
ified. Folk philosophy is so named because it describes beliefs found
among ordinary people that do not have any central organization or lead
ership and that are expressions of deep-set cultural convictions. Like folk
Account: s1224699
“Star Trek to Me Is a Way of Life" 219
religions, these beliefs are often not recognized as formal religions, as in

Catholic folk religions of South America that mix Catholic beliefs (e.g.
saints) with indigenous gods and mythologies (Christian 1987).2
The fan use of Star Tick has similarities with traditional and folk
religions that are expressed largely through myth. Both Star Tick and
mythological religions (such as those of the Amazonian peoples described
by the anthropologist Claude Le'vi-Strauss) rise out of the work of story
tellers who weave together compelling narratives out of the characters,
values, and context of the contemporary culture (Claus 1976; Jindra
1994: 46). Some of these stories eventually become established as myths
that help form (and reflect) the basic cultural values of peoples. Because
this connection between popular culture storytelling and the develop
ment of religion is not often recognized, suggestions that Star Tick can be
used by fans as a “folk philosophy” meet with some skepticism from the
public. This skepticism is based partially on prevailing attitudes toward
television and film as simply “entertainment” media, not as serious ways
to tell stories. In actuality, television functions simply as another commu
nicative medium, much like the oral stories, books, or rituals that have
historically been the transmitters of cultural values (Silverstone 1988).
Television (and film) fulfills the very serious function of communicating
worldviews, moral tales and notions of identity (Martin and Ostwalt
1995). Both the moral/philosophical message of Tick and the skepticism
with which this kind of message is greeted is evident in the comment of
one newspaper writer, who wrote, “One of the messages [of Star Tick] is
that Picard’s mission in life is not just mapping stars but also charting new
explanations for human existence. It seems like pretty heady stuff for TV”
(Ross 1994).
The ideology of Star Tick is rooted in the views of Gene Rodden—
berry, who expressed his ideas most explicitly in a thirty-page interview in
The Humanist magazine just months before his death in 1991 (Alexander
1991). Roddenberry, who was a member of the American Humanist
Association (AHA), revealed in the interview that he had a very conscious
humanist philosophy that saw humans taking control of their own des
tiny, and thereby controlling the future. His widow, Majel Barret Rod
denberry (who has remained active in Star Tick productions), has also car—
ried on the humanist torch and recently received the Humanist Award
from the AHA. Many humanists regard Star Tick as an admirable expres—
sion of their faith. The fall 1992 issue of Free Inquiry (“an international
secular humanist magazine”) includes an article titled “Star Tick: Human
ism of the Future” (Marsalek 1992), which uses individual episodes to
Account: s1224699
220 MICHAEL JINDRA
illustrate how much the series illustrates the ideals of secular humanism.
Admittedly, it is ironic to call Star Trek “religious,” for secular

humanism’s self—described philosophy (as expressed by the AHA) is in
opposition to what they believe to be superstitious religious beliefs. Yet
humanism and the scientism (the elevation of science above other values)
that draws on it have become “quasi-religious” elements of our culture
themselves (Thomas 1990). Also, 5tar Trek fan discourse often takes place
on the boundaries between religion and the denial of religion. Many Star
Trek fans, though denying that their adherence to Star Trek is religious,
still use religious language to express their fandom. In a manual given to
all new members of a fan club, the Alpha Quadrant, the leaders wrote the
following disclaimer:
This is not a religious group. While it is true that the ultimate goal
of Alpha Quadrant is to affect humanity directly, this is not in the
least bit religious unless you happen to take Star Trek too seriously.
Gene Roddenberry’s dream would be just as important and vital to
the progress of humanity without 5tar Trek, the shows are the
medium he used to transmit his feelings to us. We believe in 5tar
Ziek because we are optimists. You, along with your fellow mem
bers, are now taking the first step from being an optimistic observer
to being an achiever. (Sanda and Hall 1994)
Ironically, the writers explicitly deny a religious orientation, while at

the same time bringing up transcendental notions such as belief and the
“progress of humanity,” and casting a prophetic Roddenberry “transmit
ting” messages to the public through the electronic media. This confusion
is no doubt generated by the common perception of religion as limited to
the worship of deities, and formalized in denominations or other institu
tions. Religion, however, is much more versatile than this definition
implies, and is found in a variety of forms and contexts (Greil and Rob
bins 1994). In this chapter, religion is given a sociologically broad and
“functional” definition as a “symbol system” concerned with “ultimate”
questions about the world, human destiny, and “transcendent meaning”

(Wuthnow 1992: 102). Based upon this definition, it is not hard to argue
that 5tar Yiek is religious. Star Trek “symbols” such as the Enterprise (Selly
1990), along with the narratives of many episodes (e.g. first and last
episodes ofTNG that “judge” humanity; Spock’s, Data’s, and the Voyager
doctor’s ruminations on what it means to be human) dwell on transcen
dent issues of human nature, purpose and destiny.
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“Star Trek to Me Is a Way of Life” 221
WHAT IS STAR TREK PHILOSOPHY?

In many countries throughout the world (Spelling 1993), fans are taking
the messages and morals of Star Trek and studying them, discussing them
and applying them to their own lives. Many fans point to the Prime Direc
tive and IDIC (Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations) as examples of
Star Yiek philosophy. The Prime Directive is the frequently-broken Federa
tion principle allowing no interference in the natural development of other
worlds. One college student in Development Studies told me that the
Prime Directive illustrated the attitude development experts need to take
when working with another culture. Instead of imposing solutions, local
peoples themselves need to decide what kind of development they want. In
this way, Star Trek morals are applied by fans to real-world situations.
The fan desire to find a coherent message in Star Iiek can also be
seen in the extent to which some fans have taken the brief mentions of
Vulcan teachings in Star Trek and have turned them into an entire phi
losophy and worldview worthy of emulation. The IDIC philosophy and
symbol was only discussed explicitly in one episode of TOS (“Is There In
Truth No Beauty?” 1968), but fans elaborated on it because it served to
summarize key messages of Star Trek and gave depth to fan allegiance to
the show (even though it may have simply been a marketing ploy by Gene
Roddenberry).3 The “IDIC Star Trek fan club,” based in Scotland, has
over 1,000 members worldwide and, according to the club’s leaders,
“reflects not only the philosophy of Star Pek but our hopes for the club”
in having a diverse membership. The father of Vulcan philosophy, Surak,
also became a center of attraction for Vulcan fans, and a listserv (Vulcan
L) and Usenet group (alt.fan.surak) devoted to Vulcan philosophy were
created. The introduction to the Free Inquiry article mentioned earlier
summarizes the IDIC philosophy of Star Yiek and its application:
The “Star Yiek” universe is a celebration of pluralism encompassed

in the Vulcan philosophy of IDIC—Infinite Diversity in Infinite
Combinations. “Star Trek” advances a commitment to self-determi
nation, freedom, equality, and individual rights. The Enterprise

crews are dedicated to using reason, science, and logic . . . in under
standing the universe, solving problems, and improving the human
condition. (Marsalek 1992: 53)
The culturally relativistic notions of IDIC and the Prime Directive,

however, are subsumed within the I V shows themselves under the more
Account: s1224699
222 MICHAEL JINDRA
powerful motivating philosophy of science, technology, and progress, as

others in this volume have pointed out (e.g., Peterson). The narrative of
Star Eek assumes that, given continual human moral and material
progress, society will evolve to near perfection. “Fans frequently name the
“hopeful future” portrayed by the Star Eek universe as the reason the
show appeals to them (e.g. Lichtenberg et al. 1975: 106 ff.). For fans, fol
lowing Star Eek precepts such as IDIC and non-interference, along with
the pursuit of technological progress, can enable us to attain the kind of
world portrayed in the various Star Eek installments.
From a cross-cultural perspective, the broadly Euro-American notions
of progress, exploration, and independence are clearly visible in Star Eek
(Kottak 1990: 101—6). This is easily confirmed by comparing the popularity
of Star Eek in the United States with its popularity in other countries, such
as Brazil, where soap operas that focus on family relationships dominate
prime-time television.‘ In many places in the world, kinship is the most
important cultural value, and the organizing principle is reciprocity or depen
dence on elders and other relations. Star Eek, instead, often negatively por
trays situations ofdependence, such as T05’s “The Apple” (1967), or the Star
Trek: Voyager premiere (199 5) where the “Caretaker” is the provider for a soci
ety. Instead of dependence and unchanging tradition, Star Eek promotes
independence and self-sufficiency through the use of science and reason.
Likewise, it has often been condescending to those cultures and beings it
meets that are overtly religious, as Asa and Linford in this volume point out.5
Though scientific and rationalist philosophies pointedly exclude
mythic modes of knowledge, the emphasis on science, reason, and progress
in Western society means that they themselves have become myths of
modernity (Robertson 1980; Hegy 1991). These central Star Eek themes
are drawn from key notions in the history ofWestern philosophy and social
history. Themes of science, reason, and progress began to be expressed most
explicitly in the Renaissance and later in the Enlightenment, when human
ism and the scientific revolution helped create the “modern” world (Cassirer
1951: 140 If; Hopper 1991). The adoption of these expectations by peo
ples often resulted in utopian beliefs and hopes (Thomas 1990: 100). These
utopian hopes are visibly expressed within the narratives of Star Eek.
FAN RESPONSES TO STAR TREK PHILOSOPHIES
Star Eek draws on themes of humanism and science when it highlights

human potential and the power of science to solve problems. These per
Account: s1224699
“Star Trek to Me Is a Way of Life” 223
vasive themes are broad enough to attract fans with otherwise diverse
worldviews. Star Tick episodes and movies now span four decades and
have involved numerous writers, directors, and producers. The end prod
ucts are episodes so numerous and diverse that fans with many different
viewpoints can find something to agree with. Star Tick draws together
those who love science and technology (Jenkins 1995), along with those
who focus on relationships (Bacon-Smith 1992). Star Tick does not send
a monolithic message, but different episodes give contrasting, sometimes
contradictory messages. Science, technology, and progress, for example,
must sometimes give way to humanism and the respect for other beings
(e.g. TOS’s “The Devil in the Dark,” 1967). Some episodes and films
focus primarily on relationships among the characters (TNG’s “Family,”
1990), while others rely on science (using technobabble) to resolve situa
tions (Star Tick VII: Generations, 1994). As one can see in frequent cyber
space discussions over religion and Star Tick, Christians, New Agers,
members of Asian religions, and atheists, among others, have all been
attracted to Star Tiek’s discussions of human nature, justice, and being.
One fan apparently appreciates Star Tick’s ability to address morality in
the absence of conventional religion:
The thing I like about Star Tick in general is that they address moral
dilemmas without specific references to religion. We see characters
torn between what sounds good on paper, e.g., the Prime Directive,
and what seems right in a specific situation. I don’t want to know
where the morality of Star Tick characters is grounded. It is enough
for me to see that they have a sense of morality, and that this sense
is tested on a fairly regular basis. (Usenet post)
How have Christian fans reacted to the humanism of Star Tick and
its view of myth and religion as mere superstition? Many Christian fans
seemingly overlook this aspect of the show, focusing instead on the few
times when episodes did show a tolerance for religion, or when Christ-fig
ures were portrayed (Spock, in Star Tick II and III, gave his life for the
crew and was then resurrected).6 Many Christians with whom I have spo
ken focused on TOS’s “Bread and Circuses” (1968), in which Uhura
closed the show with a positive reference to the “Son of God.” They also
cite its strong focus on justice and ethics and its sense of order. Many
Christian fans seem to overlook the side of Star Tick that expresses an
almost unlimited belief in human potential, which contrasts with Chris
tian notions of human fallenness. This is not surprising, however, given
Account: s1224699
224 MICHAEL JINDRA
that the optimism of 5tar Trek is such a basic value of middle—class Amer
ican culture that most people do not see this optimism as something cul
turally relative and unique (Du Bois 1955; Gellner 1992: 52). Other
Christian fans, however, notice and decry the condescension toward reli
gion and the overemphasis on science (e.g. Harris 1988).
The appeal of 5tar Tiek among Christians is not surprising when
one realizes that both the humanism and the scientism expressed in 5tar
Tiek, though cut off from Christianity, have their roots in the Christian
ity of the Early Modern and Renaissance periods. Early Western scientists
believed in an orderly, designed universe created by an omnipotent God
(Jaki 1978, Whitehead 1925). The humanism of the Renaissance, though
in tension with Christianity, was also deeply rooted in it, as in the case of
the philosopher Erasmus (Cassirer 1951:134ff). Contemporary human—
ism, as expressed in Star Tiek (though not the same as Renaissance
humanism) shares concerns with Christianity over justice and human dig
nity by opposing such notions as racism and promoting human rights. In
general, it should not be too surprising to find both secular humanists
and Christians among ardent 5tar Tiek fans.
Given the diverse makeup of Star Trek fandom, it is not surprising
to see 5tar Tiek interpreted in different ways by fans, particularly with
regard to religion. In 5tar Tiek: Good News in Modern Images, Caprio
(1978) argues that Star Trek is essentially Christian in its outlook. She uses
passages from the Bible to trace biblical themes of Eden and Paradise
throughout 5tar Tiek episodes. 5tar Trek fan Skip Borrell understands that
Roddenberry’s intention was opposed to conventional religion, but still
prefers to connect 5tar Tiek philosophy with Christianity. In an article
entitled “God is a Trekker!” he writes:
We are told that IDIC is a Vulcan philosophy, but I believe it comes

from God. If we look at the opening verses of the book of Genesis
we read that God created one person, then two. And God told them
to be fruitful and multiply. And so they did. We have gone from two
people to billions of people. And through those countless genera
tions we have had infinite diversity through those infinite combina

tions of people. (Borrell 1993: 4)
Another example of Tiek/Christian integration is offered by a Tick

fan who wrote a Ph.D. dissertation based on interviews with Trekker
teachers in the southeastern US. (Anijar 1994). In the Bible Belt, Tiek
fans (both Christian and non-Christian) use Christian language to artic
Account: s1224699
ulate their adherence to Star Trek beliefs. According to Anijar, teacher fans
create a wholly new “syncretized” and “selective tradition” by combining

Star Trek and traditional “Southern Baptist religious values”(Anijar
1994: 12). Many Bible Belt fans use Star Trek to speak of the values of
duty, honor, and truth.
Many fans throughout the country do not have to “syncretize” Star
Trek with another tradition, but simply draw on the underlying human
ism, scientism, or optimism of Star Trek and make it their folk philoso
phy of life. Kathe Walker, who with her husband owns several Star Trek
stores in the Denver area, maintains that “Star Trek is more than a show;
it’s an ideal, a philosophy. It says that the future can be better than the
present” (Carrier 1994). Another fan wrote on the Internet:
I watch the show and try to live my' life by Roddenberry’s example
of hard work, imagination, compassion, curiosity, courage, and
keeping an eye on the future while working to make the present bet
ter one day at a time. I don’t always succeed, and I, we all do, fall
prey to our faults, but I keep trying. I’ll close by saying that the
dream is what is important and it should be protected above all and
not turned into a soap opera or the next Scientology.
Some fans view Roddenberry as a “prophet” (e.g. Sanda and Hall

1994; Anijar 1994: 136) much the same way that Elvis fans compare Elvis
“the King” with Christ the King (Harrison 1992). Some fans take Gene
Roddenberry’s word as absolute, and his vision of Star Yiek and the world
as the “correct” one, a view often expressed in debates over the Star Trek
“canon” (Jindra 1994: 45). Among these fans, the folk philosophy of Star
Trek begins to show the attributes of an institutionalized religion.7
FAN APPLICATIONS OF STAR TREK PHILOSOPHY
Star Trek philosophies can be developed and codified both by fans as indi
viduals and through institutions such as fan clubs and classrooms. This
process of institutionalization is quite typical for new ideas and beliefs
that gain in popularity, some of which eventually become established as
religions (Bellah 1970). Jeffrey Mills of the “Central Connecticut Star
Trek Support Group” teaches classes on the cultural relevance of Star Trek
at local colleges. “By watching Star Trek, studying it and applying its
lessons, Star Yiek almost becomes a sort of Scripture, doesn’t it? Like the
Account: s1224699
226 MICHAEL JINDRA
Bible, Star Eek has excellent stories with heroes and villains; it contains
important messages and occasional thou-shalt-nots. What the Bible does

in 66 books, Star Eek does in 79 episodes” (Mills 1990: 332). Mills has
considered turning Star Eek into political theory and running for public
office, but given the general public’s unwillingness to see a TV show such
as Star Eek as a significant philosophy, it is unlikely he would be taken
seriously, so he has not taken that step (Hamilton 1994: C1).
Mills argues that Star Eek’s philosophy, expressed. in the Prime
Directive, assumes a non—aggressive posture that does not interfere in
other planets’ “social development” (cited in Hamilton 1994: C1). As
mentioned above, the evolutionary idea of development, of human and
social progress through time, runs throughout the show (Hark 1979:
31 ff.), and is also a strong part of North American culture, as expressed,
for example, by the New Age movement (Hexham 1994). Jeffrey Mills
describes the evolutionary and teleological theme as such: “Star Eek says
there’s this line of humanoid development, and the best Eek stories give
us little tips and tools on how we can be moving rightward on getting bet
ter” (cited in Hamilton 1994: C1).
Maria Nausch, writing in the Central Connecticut Star Eek Support
Group Newsletter, describes how fans conceive of their mission in light of
the evolution of humanity in Star Eek. “They [fans] share a vision of the
future and try to make it begin now. I think that in these ways Star Eek
is more than a religion: it’s a way of living and a conception of the world
of its own. And it transcends all confession by uniting all of us in the
common efforts to make our dream come true” (Nausch 1993: 7).
Fans, of course, express Star Eek philosophy in bumper stickers,
posters, through Internet discussions and fan club meetings. “Filk”
singing is popular at fan-run Star Eek conventions, where fans invent
their own lyrics, with Star Eek themes, to popular tunes. In a song called
“Born Again Trek,” fandom is spoken of as a “faith,” and fans are called
upon to “spread the word” (Jenkins 1990: 150). Given the breadth of Star
Eek fan activities, there is no shortage of places for fans to come together
and share their adherence to the vision of Star Eek.
Star Eek has had an impact on the lives of many people (Huff 1988).
One fan writes: “Having grown up with Star Eek, I believe I really have
been influenced with Starfleet values” (Internet post). Many have been
inspired by Star Eek to enter professions such as medicine or engineering.
Many others have found a renewed sense of purpose and identity through
Star Eek. One college student I talked to was not popular in high school
and has had problems with self—esteem ever since. She identifies with
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Spock as a fellow “outcast.” Like Spock, she has had little contact with her
parents. Star Tick appeals to her because of the diversity it exhibits and
encourages, and because of the consideration it gives to those who are dif
ferent. Fans sense this respect for diversity, and Star Tick fandom does seem
to draw its share of people who in some ways feel left out by society.
Some fans express their loyalty to Star Tick in “ultimate” ways, as
befitting a phenomenon that has taken on religious functions. In a ceme
tery in Carroll, Iowa is a gravestone engraved with the image of the USS
Enterprise from TOS. The top of the stone features a beautiful image of
the Enterprise so clear that NCC-1701 shows on the facing nacelle. The
epitaph read: “His journey ends never, his Star Tick will go on forever,”
and it stands guard over the grave of a young man who died in the 19705.8
Other productions based on Star Tick have shown the extent to
which Star Tick has been able to provide applications, both moral and
managerial, to people’s lives. The book All I Really Need to Know I Learned
fiom IVatching Star Trek, by fan Dave Marinaccio (1994) draws lessons of
life from the plots and characters of Star Tick. For instance, Marinaccio
uses the changing role the Klingons have played through various Star Tick
series to show the wisdom of making your enemies your friends. Likewise,
The Meaning ofStar Tick (Richards 1997), in a more philosophical sense,
explains some of the underlying premises of the show. In Make It 50: Lead
ershtpfor the Next Generation, Roberts and Ross (1995) draw management
lessons from TNG, while the US Naval Academy uses TNG’s “The First
Duty” (1992) featuring Wesley Crusher in an ethical dilemma at Starfleet
Academy. Fans have consistently found philosophical and moral depth in
their allegiance to Star Tick, a trait that distinguishes Star Tick and its fans
from most other, more superficial, popular culture productions.
FAN CLUBS
Star Tick beliefs have also been institutionalized by the over 500 local Star
Tick fan clubs found in at least twenty different countries. Many are
small, but some, like the USS Intrepid a 500-member club from Detroit,
has its own lengthy constitution and bylaws and includes an oath of alle
giance and penalties for misconduct (DeSmet 1995).
The serious nature of the fan club phenomenon is indicated by the
practices of fans clubs, and by their statements of purpose. The largest
fan-organized Star Tick club, Starfleet International, is an association of
several hundred local fan clubs located around the world. Its 1981 con
Account: s1224699
228 MICHAEL JINDRA
stitution contains the following preamble: “We, the fans of 5tar Tiek, in
order to organize and promote the concepts of unity, peace and brother—
hood in fandom, as espoused by 5tar Tiek philosophy and to promote the
mutual gain of benefits among members, do ordain and establish this
constitution for the organization of Starfleet.” Article I (objectives and
purposes) of the Constitution states: “The primary purpose of Starfleet
shall be the pursuit of unity and brotherhood among members through
the promotion of Star Tiek, its goals and concepts.”
These statements reveal that 5tar Tiek is more than simple enter
tainment. Tiek philosophies stimulate fan activity to the extent that many
fans devote major portions of their lives to institutionalizing it in fan
clubs. This is no mere escape from real life, but an active and aggressive
attempt to give public voice to 5tar Tiek and its philosophies in public life.
Charity is one of the chief activities of fan clubs. The USS Intrepid
has over ten charities to which it regularly contributes time or money.
Many clubs raise money for local food banks or contribute to science edu
cation programs; others are actively involved in supporting the space pro
gram. Club members often dress up for charity events and conventions
and role-play in charaCter. Members are given ranks in the club (ensign,
lieutenant, etc.) and can gain promotion through participation in club
activities. Through these activities, fans express their hopes for a better
future, and take action to bring that future into existence, by attempting
to make their communities and countries better places to live.
CONCLUSION
When it comes down to basic questions of life and death and

also of life after death, people want to know how to find
answers. As someone from India, it is clear to me that many
Americans are looking for answers by going to movie theaters
or by watching certain TV shows. . . . They may not be aware
of what they are doing or what they are looking for, but they
are yearning for answers.
—Vishal Mangalwadi, after watching the premiere

of Star Tiek: Deep Space Nine (Mattingly 1993: 1)
5tar Tiek has succeeded as an ongoing narrative and become one of the
largest cultural phenomenons of this century because it has an overarch
ing philosophy that draws on central themes of the Western tradition. It
Account: s1224699
appeals to fans brought up in that tradition, most of whom are found in

Europe and North America. For many, Star Trek has taken a place along
side the traditional metanarratives and mythologies of Western cultures,
largely because it draws on them and portrays humanist, scientific, and
Christian themes in the very vivid and attractive media of television and
film. The complex and detailed universe portrayed is attractive to fans,
and invites fans to think about both that universe and their own.
For some fans, Star Trek replaces older religions like Christianity, and
for others it supplements them with new ways of expressing the same mes
sages. One feature ofcontemporary society is the ability people have to pick
and choose from among a number of beliefs and create a “personal” religion
(Bellah et al. 1985: 220 If). Star Trek draws together those who love science
and technology, along with humanist-oriented fans (both religious and sec
ular), all of whom find aspects of the show (e.g. the political progressiveness
and optimism, the morality, or the technology) to appreciate. Through fan
clubs and other outlets such as the Internet, and by making it a major part
of their lives, serious fans express their adherence to Star Trek philosophies.
NOTES
1. In cyberspace, discussion groups of fans can be found almost any

where; on services such as America-on-Line, in Usenet newsgroups, and on
numerous Iistservs; fan philosophies can also be found on personal or fan club
web pages. For letters, issues of Irek magazine (or compilations of them in the
Best of Fek book series) are a good source. See Ruff (1996) for one example of
how a fan describes her agreement with the messages of Star Trek.
2. “Popular religion,” a term similar to “folk religion,” could also be
applied here (Lippy 1996: 5).
3. According to Wlliam Shatner (1993: 287—89), Gene Roddenberry

inserted the mention of IDIC, and an IDIC medallion, into this episode mostly
as a potential product to exploit through merchandising.
4. There is an active Star Trek fan club movement in Brazil, but Star Trek
has never won the broad popularity it has in North America.

5. Though McLaren and Porter do discuss an increased sensitivity in
more recent installments of Star Trek.
6. Roddenberry was raised in a Christian fundamentalist environment
(Alexander 1991), so it is not surprising to see Christian themes in the show, even
though he left Christianity behind in adulthood.
Account: s1224699
230 MICHAEL JINDRA
7. Those who view Roddenberry literally as a prophet, however, are in the

minority among Eek fans, especially since some luster has been taken off Rod
denberry by Joel Engel’s (1994) unflattering biography.
8. From a post on the rec.arts.startrek.current newsgroup, August 5,
1994.
Account: s1224699

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Copyright © 1999. SUNY Press. All rights reserved.

cctar Trek to me is a way of life” writes a

gious position,” its roots in Gene Roddenberry’s optimistic philosophy,

STAR TREK AS FOLK PHILOSOPHY

Star Eek presents us with an enlightened, humanistic, peace

Instead of overt philosophies or religions marked by doctrines or creeds,

worldview expressed in narrative form for one expressed in propositions

religions, these beliefs are often not recognized as formal religions, as in

Admittedly, it is ironic to call Star Trek “religious,” for secular

Ironically, the writers explicitly deny a religious orientation, while at

questions about the world, human destiny, and “transcendent meaning”

WHAT IS STAR TREK PHILOSOPHY?

The “Star Yiek” universe is a celebration of pluralism encompassed

nation, freedom, equality, and individual rights. The Enterprise

The culturally relativistic notions of IDIC and the Prime Directive,

powerful motivating philosophy of science, technology, and progress, as

FAN RESPONSES TO STAR TREK PHILOSOPHIES

Star Eek draws on themes of humanism and science when it highlights

We are told that IDIC is a Vulcan philosophy, but I believe it comes

tions we have had inﬁnite diversity through those inﬁnite combina

Another example of Tiek/Christian integration is offered by a Tick

create a wholly new “syncretized” and “selective tradition” by combining

Some fans view Roddenberry as a “prophet” (e.g. Sanda and Hall

FAN APPLICATIONS OF STAR TREK PHILOSOPHY

important messages and occasional thou-shalt-nots. What the Bible does

When it comes down to basic questions of life and death and

—Vishal Mangalwadi, after watching the premiere

appeals to fans brought up in that tradition, most of whom are found in

1. In cyberspace, discussion groups of fans can be found almost any

3. According to Wlliam Shatner (1993: 287—89), Gene Roddenberry

has never won the broad popularity it has in North America.

7. Those who view Roddenberry literally as a prophet, however, are in the

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