Key Takeaways:
– The popular Star Wars and Star Trek franchises exhibit significant differences regarding diversity and inclusivity.
– Upcoming Star Wars show, The Acolyte, featuring actor Amandla Stenberg aims to enhance diversity.
– Stenberg’s comments about aspiring to enhance security and inclusion for POC within the science fiction genre sparked controversy.
– While Stenberg voices for more diversity in Star Wars, evidence suggests Star Trek has been leading in this area since its first premiere over half a century ago.
– Despite having its own controversies, Star Trek’s contributions to promoting diversity and inclusivity are allegedly more substantial when compared to Star Wars.
The Sci-Fi Universes Clash About Diversity and Inclusivity
Star Wars and Star Trek, two of the most renowned American science fiction franchises, have their unique selling points. Star Wars is celebrated for its epic space battles and Jedi knights, while Star Trek emphasizes the exploration of new worlds, scientific discovery, and diplomacy. Both have significant cultural influence but divergence of views regarding diversity and inclusivity between the two franchises has become an issue of recent debate.
A Controversy Born in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
The Acolyte, an upcoming Star Wars show, is set to feature actor Amandla Stenberg. While this expands and evolves the Star Wars universe, Stenberg’s comment about the need for more diversity in the sci-fi genre and her aspiration to foster inclusivity within the franchise has stirred controversy.
In a recent episode of the Dagobah Dispatch podcast, Stenberg said, “I think that when it comes to the world of fantasy and sci-fi in general, it hasn’t felt like a safe space always for people of color. And it’s been a world that I’ve always deeply loved and been invested in. So to be in any way, shape, or form a part of the wave that is ushering in inclusion and safety for black nerds, it’s like my dream come true.”
John Boyega, another Star Wars actor, echoed Stenberg’s sentiments. He revealed the harsh backlash he experienced when he joined the franchise. In contrast to Stenberg’s comment, the universe of Star Trek has often been hailed for its representation of diversity and inclusivity from its very inception.
The Legacy of Star Trek’s Inclusion
The original Star Trek series premiered in 1966, over a decade ahead of Star Wars. The franchise had its first black actor, Nichelle Nichols, in a key authoritative role, a groundbreaking feat at the time. This paved the way for the representation of various ethnicities in prominent roles within the series – a testament to Star Trek’s determination to champion diversity and inclusivity.
Furthermore, Star Trek aired the first-ever interracial kiss on American television in 1968, bringing its commitment to endorse diversity to a whole new level. Despite facing controversies throughout the years, there’s no denying that Star Trek has often been ahead of the game when it comes to promoting diversity and inclusivity.
Drawing the Line Between the Stars
These assertions spark an ongoing discussion about the significance of diversity and representation within these beloved franchises. While Star Wars is taking steps towards embracing diversity and inclusivity, historical references suggest that Star Trek has been the pioneer in this realm.
For interested viewers, Star Trek can be streamed on Paramount+ while Star Wars is available on Disney+. As both franchises continue to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how they adapt and exemplify the changing face of diversity and inclusivity in the world today.
Whether you are a Star Wars or a Star Trek fan, or both, the realization and acceptance of diversity, inclusion, and equality is a universal issue that transcends galaxies. It’s perhaps the powerful force that binds these franchises together in their journey through space and time.
