Star Trek Fandom: Live Long and Prosper

In the article “Star Trek Fandom as a Religious Phenomenon,” professor Michael Jindra discusses the history and practices of the dedicated fan base. With attention paid to canon, organized communities with a hierarchy, conventions, and fan-written books, Jindra compares Star Trek to a religious experience. 

President Obama with Nichelle Nichols (Uhura)

Jindra begins his article noting the “Star Trek fandom is a phenomenon unlike any other.” (Jindra 27) Fans of Star Trek have been passionate from the beginning, protesting when the “Original Series” was canceled. Star Trek was eventually revived with movies and other series such as “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” (Ibid 27) The series is popular with men and women (with the latter writing the majority of fanzines) and allows for exploration of conflicts between emotion/logic, morality, and adapting social issues. (Ibid 28)

           

To understand the fan culture, Jindra attended Star Trek conventions, read fan literature, and participated in the online community. Star Trek shares many attributes in common with religion; there is an origin myth, set of beliefs, and organization. (Ibid 30 and 31) Jindra also cites Thomas Luckman, who noted religion does not need to take place in large institutions. (Ibid 31)

Star Trek is appealing to many, as it is a utopian version of the future as opposed to a dystopia. There is unlimited energy, diseases have been cured, and faith is placed in the human mind and science. (Ibid 32) There are people of “various races, genders, and planetary origins working together.” (Ibid 33)

           

The Star Trek fandom provides an identity and a community. These are also benefits of religion. “Trekkies” (fans) who marry turn Star Trek into a generational phenomenon. (Ibid 35) Fan clubs exist, with chapters named after ships and ranks in accordance with Starfleet. There are also computer networks, and conventions, and pilgrimages to sites mentioned in the show. Jindra notes that the ambiguity over the serious nature of Star Trek rituals and debate over canon and constancy supports the comparison to a religious movement. (Ibid 39)

           

There is also a stigma attached to Trekkies. On Saturday Night Live, William Shatner (Captain Kirk) joked that fans should get a life. (Ibid 47) There is also a perception that fans may “go too far,” with their fervor. (Ibid 47) Jindra again draws comparison to a religious phenomenon, noting religious movements have often had a sense of persecution.

             

As a second generation Star Trek fan, I agree with many of Jindra’s statements. One of my mother’s “religious artifacts,” is an autograph from Leonard Nimoy. I can recite the Star Trek introduction from memory, and was partially named for Captain Janeway. The world of Star Trek is incredibly appealing due to its diversity. If someone would ask me if they would like Star Trek, I wouldn’t hesitate to say, “you will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.”

Image from:  https://startrekfandom.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/obama-vulcanhandgreeting.jpg