Why Star Trek: Discovery is Problematic AF 02/14/2018
by NerdyBlackGirlBlog staff writer; N'shonda Williams While recent NETFLIX Science-Fiction series Star Trek: Discovery has been heralded by many progressives for its diverse cast and willingness to address Lgbtqiapk issues, we must address the series many negative aspects. While Michael Burnham (portrayed actress Sonequa Martin-Green) has been praised for her role as an intelligent and successful woman of color, let's look at her character through an inter-sectional lens: The young Michael Burnham is literally and metaphorically rescued as a child by Sarek (White actor James Frain) and adopted by him. in many ways this represents the many millions of indigenous young people taken from their homes to be 're-educated' and 'civilized' by white christian colonials such as the aboriginal children of Australia. Not only is Burnham raised by Sarek and his family, but also Sarek Mind-Melds with the child; an invasive process which leaves Burnham literally brainwashed into adopting Vulcan norms of speech, clothing, and culture. As a woman of color the message to me and millions of other young girls is clear - if you want to succeed in life you must not only emulate the prevailing (i.e. white) culture but also mimic their hairstyles, and even modes of thought. The character's very name (Michael), mannerisms and short hair also hint that if women wish to succeed in the workplace they must adopt a patriarchal male-led behavioural norms. In short, the message is - ditch our female qualities and blackness at the door and you might just be successful in modern America. The Klingons, a major protagonist in this series have been panned by fans for their radical redesign; but my issues with them are not aesthetic. They are clearly meant to represent 'the Other' Jews, Muslims, PoC. With their alien appearances, violent, greedy ways and bizarre religious practices they embody every Trump supporter's hateful vision of non-whites turned up to 11. Discovery's ultimate message is that yes there are people out there who aren't like you (the wasp viewer) and yes they are strange, ugly and violent - your prejudices were normal and correct all along. ST:D is in many ways like a Trojan horse, on the outside it is a progressive seeming show; but inside it contains toxic ideas harmful to those viewers without the necessary information to deconstruct them. It is disappointing to us that this show which embodies sexism, racism and xenophobia ever made it to air and we only hope that the next incarnation of Star Trek can offer some positive messages.