Entertainment (Television) and Positive Diversity

Kottak and Kozaitis (2012) discuss diversity in American popular culture using Star Trek as an example. 

“What does the enduring appeal of Star Trek tell us about American culture?  We suggest that the answer is this:  Star Trek is a transformation of fundamental American origin myth about unity and diversity.  The same myth shows up in the image and celebration of Thanksgiving, a distinctively American holiday.  Thanksgiving sets the myth in the past, and Star Trek sets it in the future” (p. 1).

  

Kottak and Kozaitis go on to describe the meaning of the word myth.  Our society interprets and re-interprets the origin, nature and meaning of such things as holidays.   The Thanksgiving story takes place in the past, and gives us the idea of a “melting-pot” society; the Indians and the Pilgrims gathering together.  The Star Trek television show is similar in the idea of the “melting-pot”, but takes place in the future.  The point of these examples is to “illustrate the credo that unity through diversity is essential for survival” (p. 3).  They go on to state the importance of diversity in that it can help “promote unity in the form of teamwork” (p. 3), as seen in both examples given above.

We see the diversity in Star Trek, and the biggest message from this show was “that strangers, even enemies, can become friends” (p. 3).

 

While I wasn’t a big fan of Star Trek, and I can’t name anyone other than Captain Kirk and Spock, I do remember seeing very diverse characters on the show.  I understand what the authors are passing along by using this example.  We need each other, all of our different cultures, in order to function as one.  We need this in order to have a harmonious society.   Kottak and Kozaitis tell us that “unity in diversity guarantees human survival, and for this we should be thankful” (p. 5).

I thought the example about Star Trek was a great one and how it relates to unity and survival.  We need to learn about the world in which we live.  It is a very diverse society in our country, and I hope that more, in the way of education, can be passed along to others.  Whether it’s in the classroom, the boardroom, or publicly, I do feel that more should be done to promote diversity in a positive manner.  For me, I came from a small town with not much, if any, diversity.  It wasn’t until I began working for a very large company five years ago, that I really experiences diversity.  About two years working at my company, I came to Albright.  I have had several classes that have either been entirely focused on diversity and multiculturalism, or have at least touched upon it.  I am glad for this, because it has really opened my eyes. 

  

Kottak, C. P., & Kozaitis, K. A. (2012). On being different: Diversity and multiculturalism in the

North American mainstream. Boston, NY: McGraw-Hill College.