Star Trek and Race Relations: Can We Learn Something from Watching the Series?

When it comes to Star Trek, each series has some really good features that makes it all the more enjoyable and interesting. A look now at some of the top issues, which are usually of a sensitive nature, that have been discussed and explored; including which series did the best job of getting that point across to viewers.

Point #1 - Humanity (kindness, compassion, and feelings) exists in different forms of life, not just human-looking people.

The winner for this would have to be Star Trek: The Next Generation. The crew worked with Data and supported him while he discovered and embraced his humanity. A close second would be Voyager. Captain Janeway worked with Seven of Nine to help her rediscover her former human self. The Doctor also tried to give her lessons on socialization and other forms of human interaction.

Point #2 - Everyone is equal - there is no difference in color, gender or nationality.

The winner in this category would have to be Star Trek: The Original Series. The show had relationships of people with different backgrounds. For example you had the "country doctor" the Scottish engineer, the female and African American communications officer, the Russian navigator, Checkov, and the Asian helmsman, Mr. Sulu. This was very significant because during this time race relations were just starting to become more integrated and the show did a good job to show that a crew of different origins could work together to achieve a common goal.

Also, the infamous kiss between Kirk and Uhura was meant, I believe to show viewers that in the future it is all right to show love and kindness towards someone who is not like you in some way or another.

Point #3 - In the future powerful positions can be achieved by all.