Some people won’t take this seriously, but I think there is a lot of merit in comparing those two space opera’s even though they are a bit like apples and oranges. Star Trek gives an optimistic vision of humanities future; a bit Pollyanna at times, but overall optimism is considered a bit Pollyanna these days. Though with the entry onto the world stage of President Obama, optimism has once again regained its “coolness” to those at large. I think overall Star Trek gives us a good vision of what the world could become if we give it half a chance. A world of peace and prosperity, a world order more concentrating on bettering humanity and a human species who concentrates on bettering itself because it is the right thing to do.
Star Wars is a different vision of this same thing. In a way, it is a bright vision for humanity because it is a universe where humanity lives in relative peace with many different alien cultures. However, it also shows the darkness inherent in humanity, thus the triumph of the Emperor and his henchman, Darth Vader. If that doesn’t show the ultimate in human evil then I don’t know what does. In a way, the peaceful co-existence of humans with aliens is forced too. Humans don’t really have a choice. It’s either get along or war with everyone.
Overall if I had to state a preference, I’d definitely side with Star Trek. I find it personally more enjoyable because it is our universe and deals exclusively with our future. Star Wars is kind of like a fantasy story in that it spins a tale of a far away kingdom and a far off past. Not sure how much I actually like that part of it. I would have been a little happier if it was some far-flung future in our own galaxy. Would have made more sense I think.
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