Can a Star Trek Fan Truly Support Trump?

Yes, absolutely. I am one of them. To be clear, despite my support for certain aspects of the Star Trek universe, such as the original series and the principles of exploration and advancement, I also have a deep admiration for Donald Trump. This may seem paradoxical to some, but it is a reality that many can relate to.

Star Trek and Political Critique

For those who are unaware, Star Trek (especially Star Trek: Discovery) is often perceived as having a strong political undertone, and the main supporting base of President Trump would probably not appreciate this. In fact, the show's emphasis on diversity and inclusion might trigger their outrage. However, if one can truly separate their political views from their love for the series, there is no reason why they shouldn't embrace Star Trek.

Star Trek vs. Star Wars

Some might argue that Star Wars is a more relatable and authentic series, with 'real' people and moving scenery. However, the legions of Star Trek fans would counter with the claims that the environment and world-building in Star Trek are far more sophisticated and visually stunning. Moreover, the authenticity of characters in Star Wars beyond the immediate action scenes is questionable when compared to the multi-dimensional portrayals found in Star Trek.

The ASTFFT Act

One of the more important aspects of the debate around Star Trek is the ASTFFT (Anti-Star Trek Fan For Trump) Act. This legislation, passed unanimously by a GOP-led Congress in 2017, makes it illegal to support both Trump and embrace Star Trek simultaneously. President Trump himself signed this legislation, making it a matter of national law. One wonders, however, who would be the enforcers of this law and how strictly it would be applied.

The Legacy of Star Trek

Star Trek has a rich legacy that extends beyond mere entertainment. Both Martin Luther King Jr. and Richard Nixon were fans of the original series, which speaks to the show's ability to transcend political boundaries. The original series, in particular, has many elements that right-wing supporters might find appealing. For instance, it extensively features American flag-waving and the concept of colonialism, where advanced civilizations are depicted as having the right to conduct business in less developed ones.

The show even takes it a step further by creating near-duplicate Earths to have an American flag show up. It essentially depicts the show's characters, including Captain Kirk, advocating for the American involvement in Vietnam, an unpopular cause during that time. Even on a more universal note, it constantly emphasizes that everything still costs money, and sometimes, advanced technology is used to secure resources, such as dilithium, by bribery. This is a realpolitik perspective that some fans appreciate.

Moreover, Star Trek faced criticism when it came to gender representation. The show often portrayed female characters as subservient, with Spock and McCoy displaying skepticism towards the idea of a woman commanding a starship. Even when a female character like Uhura was included, there was a fair amount of hostility towards her character.

The bottom line is that Star Trek has a wide array of narratives and characters that speak to various viewers on different levels. While it is true that the science-heavy aspects of the show might not appeal to everyone, it is fascinating to see how different cultural sectors can find something to relate to, even in a series like Star Trek.