Star Trek 50th Anniversary Lives on Social
The Imgurians among you will have received an alert about the 50th anniversary of Star Trek the original series last Thursday on 8 September. Following the alert linked to a million-and-one Star Trek images, gifs, and posts from every series to the movies. Fans recalled their favourite moments in the iconic show's history from the Picard and Riker's double facepalm to the first-ever televised interracial kiss.
Imgur wasn't the only one to pay homage, the United States Postal Service (USPS) released a special quartet of stamps showcasing memorable images from the original series including a silhouette of someone getting beamed aboard, the Starfleet insignia, the Vulcan greeting, and the USS Enterprise otherwise known as the Starship Enterprise. Star Trek themed stamps have been made only once before in 1999 as a part of their "Celebrate the Century" stamp release. This speaks to how influential the TV show was in the 20th century.
In its 3 year occupation of America's television sets, Star Trek challenged norms by targeting sexism/feminism, racism, and militarism/peace. Watching the show today will shed some light on 1960's America and its many faults. It addressed key societal issues in a way that nothing at the time would.
In answer to sexism, Number One, a nameless female lead in the pilot script, had knowledge that surpassed the captain. She was so valuable that she had to be left aboard the ship while the team went on risky away missions. Unfortunately, she was cut from the script on the request of NBC executives because "a woman in such a powerful authority position on board a starship" was not identifiable, according to Leonard Nimoy in behind-the-scenes footage. Lt. Uhura takes the next best option as fourth in command aboard the ship. Not only is she given power and depended on for knowledge, Uhura is a strong character who can ably take care of herself.
Speaking of Uhura takes us to our second point: Star Trek's answer to racism. The Enterprise crew in each series has been a delightful mix of races and species. Placing minority races in key crew positions demonstrated a conscious step towards improved racial relations. A Japanese-American, Lt. Sulu played by George Takei, was an irreplaceable helmsman, and an East-African princess, Lt. Uhura played by Nichelle Nichols, was a vital communications officer. While neither character consistently shocked with unexpected lines, actions, or scenes, their inclusion served as an example and reminder of equality. One episode in particular, "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield," takes a pointed stance against racism. In the episode, a race of people are literally divided in halves, black and white. From the planet Cheron, Bele (left) and Lokai (right), though they look remarkably similar, are struggling with racial bias. If you examine the picture closely, you'll see that Bele is white on the left side of his face and black on the right. Lokai's colouring is the opposite and for this he is considered inferior to Bele. Aside from lecturing on racial differences and equal but separate treatment, the underlying theme is hatred. In the end, the entire race residing on Cheron is dead from a race war. When Bele and Lokai see the desolation they follow in the footsteps of their brethren, beaming down to the blood-soaked planet to continue their feud.
In answer to topics of war and peace, Star Trek has not been quiet in its criticism of violence, war, and threats. The original series was running during the Vietnam war and so took opportunities to mirror major issues, as in the episode "A Private Little War." Many of the episodes, especially those with warring powers, show peaceful negotiations and non-violent ways to solve controversies. The Klingons and Romulans offered a great opportunity for writers to play out different scenarios.
These points are expanded upon in J. William Snyder Jr.'s Star Trek: A Phenomenon and Social Statement on the 1960's.
With 7 television shows (Discovery is set to release 2017), 13 movies, books, comics, games, and tons of merchandise, Star Trek's 50 year anniversary is a happy day for us all. For me, Star Trek has a permanent place in my heart ... The Next Generation, anyway. If I'm being honest, not just TNG, but Deep Space Nine and the movie reboots aren't bad. There's just so much to love!
Happy times like these are when you wish that Facebook would just give the world what it wants. In this scenario, what would that look like? I'm glad you asked! Below you'll see Facebook's tribute to the entirety of Star Trek. For the anniversary, they've replaced standard reaction buttons with Star Trek themed variants. For a limited time, some Facebook users in the U.S. and Canada were able to take advantage of these classic images. Added to reactions are the Vulcan salute (Live long and prosper), a jovial Captain Kirk, an awed Spock, a sad Geordi La Forge, and an angry Klingon.
Facebook Celebrates Star Trek's 50th from Facebook on Vimeo.
Not everyone has done enough to commemorate the glorious anniversary, including the television network that hosted the original series. To some, CBS has royally screwed up the anniversary.
Jacqui Litvan
 |
| digitaltrends.com |
A Defiant Strain
 |
| myamericanmeltingpot.blogspot.co.uk |
In answer to sexism, Number One, a nameless female lead in the pilot script, had knowledge that surpassed the captain. She was so valuable that she had to be left aboard the ship while the team went on risky away missions. Unfortunately, she was cut from the script on the request of NBC executives because "a woman in such a powerful authority position on board a starship" was not identifiable, according to Leonard Nimoy in behind-the-scenes footage. Lt. Uhura takes the next best option as fourth in command aboard the ship. Not only is she given power and depended on for knowledge, Uhura is a strong character who can ably take care of herself.
 |
| memory-alpha.wikia.com |
In answer to topics of war and peace, Star Trek has not been quiet in its criticism of violence, war, and threats. The original series was running during the Vietnam war and so took opportunities to mirror major issues, as in the episode "A Private Little War." Many of the episodes, especially those with warring powers, show peaceful negotiations and non-violent ways to solve controversies. The Klingons and Romulans offered a great opportunity for writers to play out different scenarios.
These points are expanded upon in J. William Snyder Jr.'s Star Trek: A Phenomenon and Social Statement on the 1960's.
Celebrate History
How special is it to witness defiance and historical relevance in a TV show, one that represents the quintessential nerd? |
| treknews.net |
With 7 television shows (Discovery is set to release 2017), 13 movies, books, comics, games, and tons of merchandise, Star Trek's 50 year anniversary is a happy day for us all. For me, Star Trek has a permanent place in my heart ... The Next Generation, anyway. If I'm being honest, not just TNG, but Deep Space Nine and the movie reboots aren't bad. There's just so much to love!
Thanks to @StarTrek for inspiring me as a kid and for pushing the envelope of what is possible. #StarTrek50 pic.twitter.com/8ueFZtG6ek— Terry Virts (@AstroTerry) 9 September 2016
Good night and happy ALL the anniversaries! #StarTrek50 #LSSCeasonTwo #LSSC pic.twitter.com/3vuCrfXlOd— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) 9 September 2016
If #StarTrek hadn't existed, the following 50 years of sci-fi TV and movies would've looked much, much different: https://t.co/zrnWm2Ppgc— WIRED (@WIRED) 9 September 2016
Happy times like these are when you wish that Facebook would just give the world what it wants. In this scenario, what would that look like? I'm glad you asked! Below you'll see Facebook's tribute to the entirety of Star Trek. For the anniversary, they've replaced standard reaction buttons with Star Trek themed variants. For a limited time, some Facebook users in the U.S. and Canada were able to take advantage of these classic images. Added to reactions are the Vulcan salute (Live long and prosper), a jovial Captain Kirk, an awed Spock, a sad Geordi La Forge, and an angry Klingon.
Facebook Celebrates Star Trek's 50th from Facebook on Vimeo.
Not everyone has done enough to commemorate the glorious anniversary, including the television network that hosted the original series. To some, CBS has royally screwed up the anniversary.
 |
| pinterest.com |
Jacqui Litvan
Jacqui Litvan, wielding a bachelor's degree in English, strives to create a world of fantasy amidst the ever-changing landscape of military life. Attempting to become a writer, she fuels herself with coffee (working as a barista) and music (spending free time as a raver). Follow her @Songbird_Jacqui
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
Star Trek 50th Anniversary Lives on Social
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Monday, September 12, 2016
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Monday, September 12, 2016
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.