‘Star Trek’ 50th anniversary: Plumbing the depths of an obsession

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Star Trek 50th anniversary Plumbing the depths of an obsession

The Star Trek Convention’s celebration of 50 years of the franchise is in full swing in Las Vegas, Nevada. That means dedicated fans, known as Trekkies, are in their element. Although they’re often poked fun at because of their obsession, there are deeper reasons behind the Trekkie enthusiasm.

CCTV America’s May Lee explains.

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The Trekkie obsession is on full display at the Star Trek Convention — from elaborate costumes to fervent knowledge of every episode and film.

Trekkies know they’ve been the butt of jokes over the years. In fact, William Shatner, the original Capt. Kirk, spoofed them on “Saturday Night Live” in 1986.

But Trekkies argue their obsession actually enhances their lives.

Astrid and Chris Miller met at a Star Trek Convention four years ago.

“He asked me what my dream wedding would be and I said ‘here at the 50th anniversary by a Star Trek Elvis’,” Astrid said. That’s exactly what they did.

“Star Trek”, for many, is more than just a TV show. Its themes of equality, discovery and hope resonated with viewers back in the 1960s and still do to this day. At the convention, there are a lot of stories of how “Star Trek” has had a profound and lasting impact.

Patti Raincock from Alberta, Canada credits “Star Trek” for getting her through the death of her father when she was just 12 years old.

“For an hour every week i escaped from that sadness,” Raincock said. “I realized that Leonard Nimoy as Spock had a similar shared face and looks a little bit like my dad. I was looking for my dad in him and it made me feel better as a young child.”

“Star Trek’s” groundbreaking messages even inspired well-known celebrities. Whoopi Goldberg, who played Guinan in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” expressed her thanks to Nichelle Nicols, the original Lt. Uhura.

“All of us little girls that were sitting out there regardless of what our origin was, realized you were representing the future of women,” Goldberg said. “That we could look good, knock everybody’s socks off and do our jobs better than anybody else. And so thanks for the uplift.”

 


Whoopi Goldberg and Nichelle Nichols attend the Star Trek Annual Convention


Will Nguyen discusses ‘Star Trek’

For more on “Star Trek’s” longterm success, CCTV America’s Rachelle Akuffo spoke to Will Nguyen, TrekNews.net writer.