William Shatner Scolds EU Over Plan To Censor Gendered Language In Iconic ‘Star Trek’ Intro
Actor William Shatner scolded members of parliament in the European Union over reports that they planned to address the “gendered language” in the iconic introduction to his science fiction fan-favorite television series: “Star Trek.”
GB News reported on the initiative, which was apparently inspired by a 61-page document — titled “Toolkit on Gender-sensitive Communication” — which was published by the European Institute for Gender Equality.
In addition to advising against the use of phrases like “no-man’s land” — suggesting “unclaimed territory” as an alternative — the document addressed the problematic goals of the Galactic Federation, namely “to boldly go where no man has gone before.”
According to the group’s findings, statements such as that one created an environment where “women may be subject to invisibility or omission.”
Shatner, who delivered the line as part of the introduction of each “Star Trek” episode, was not convinced.
“Presentism at work yet again,” Shatner began by registering his complaint about the attempt to apply today’s values to a show that was created in a very different time and culture.
“Why start at Trek?” the actor asked in his X post, suggesting that there were certainly more important historically significant documents that should be addressed first.
“Isn’t it better to start at the beginning and redo foundation material such as the Magna Carta, religious writings, works of Shakespeare before worrying about a silly TV show opening that reflects social commentary of the time?” he asked. “If people are offended by 6 seconds of dialogue recorded in 1966 without a modicum of understanding of the social issues at the time there’s bigger issues that they need to deal with first — like educating themselves.”
😳👇🏻Presentism at work yet again. Why start at Trek? 🤨Isn’t it better to start at the beginning and redo foundation material such as the Magna Carta, religious writings, works of Shakespeare before worrying about a silly TV show opening that reflects social commentary of the… pic.twitter.com/P0okn5rYca
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) January 29, 2024
One person responded to Shatner by asking is the EU planned to ban the words of American astronaut Neil Armstrong next.
“Neil Armstrong must be spinning in his grave … ‘One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.’ Will he be canceled for leaving out an ‘a’? Is the word ‘mankind’ misogynous? We live in foolish times.”
Neil Armstrong must be spinning in his grave…
“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”.
Will he be canceled for leaving out an “a”? Is the word “mankind” misogynous? We live in foolish times.— Ry Brooks (@RyBrooks) January 29, 2024
What is the danger of applying present-day values to past works of art, according to the argument presented in the passage
Esting that the focus on “gendered language” in “Star Trek” was misplaced. He pointed out that there are numerous other works of literature and media that contain more blatant examples of gender inequality, yet they seemed to be overlooked.
Shatner’s argument raises an important question: should we hold old works of art and entertainment accountable for today’s societal standards?
Firstly, let us acknowledge that “Star Trek” has been an iconic and influential series that, despite its flaws, has brought progressive ideas to the forefront of popular culture. It introduced viewers to a diverse cast, including characters of different races and genders working together as equals.
However, it is crucial to remember that the series was created during the 1960s, a time when gender inequality was the norm and deeply ingrained in society. The fact that “Star Trek” challenged many of these norms at the time should be commended. Expecting the show to conform to today’s standards is not only unfair but also undermines its importance in paving the way for progress.
Furthermore, there is a danger in applying present-day values to past works of art. By doing so, we risk erasing the historical context in which these works were created. Each piece of art is a product of its time, reflecting the beliefs, attitudes, and limitations of that era. It serves as a reminder of how far we have come and how much work still needs to be done.
Attempting to censor or change works like “Star Trek” based on today’s ideals diminishes their value as cultural artifacts. Instead, it is more productive to engage in critical discussions surrounding these works, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and their ongoing relevance in our society.
It is commendable that organizations like the European Institute for Gender Equality are advocating for gender equality and inclusivity. However, it is crucial to prioritize these efforts on issues that have a more direct impact on people’s lives today. There are countless battles still being fought for gender equality, and it is important to focus on those areas rather than nitpicking at language choices made decades ago.
William Shatner’s scolding of the European Union over their focus on “Star Trek’s” gendered language debate is a reminder that we must be cautious when applying today’s standards to past works of art. Rather than erasing history, let us use these works as catalysts for meaningful discussions about progress and the work that still lies ahead.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
