The Sub-Cultures of the Star Trek Fans - Essay Example

The Sub-cultures of the Star Trek Fans Trekkies is the given to the fans of the science fiction franchise, the Star Trek. With regards to the study of the Star Trek fans, the subject is a vital component of the social world of the fans. The Star Trek fan culture is the only sub-culture that has had an entry in the OED. The fans have displayed fanatical behaviors, as well as devotion that have put Trekkies in the limelight of numerous studies in various fields. Researchers have conducted studies about the organization of fan clubs and their impact on the production of Star Trek. However, the studies on the organization were based on cultural aspects in order to understand what makes Star Trek a cultural object of great importance to so many (Oglesbee, 2004). The studies have equally examined the methods in which fans interact with the text. In anthropological studies comparisons have been made between Star Trek fan body and religious Movements (Jindra, 1994). On another account, cultural studies have made comparisons of fan organizations and cults (Hills, 200). This article seeks to examine and give a comprehensive report on the ordinary Star Trek fans. The original Star Trek was the creation of Gene Roddenberry (1921-1991), a United States Television producer and author. His idea was to develop a Television series involving the futuristic prospects of science fiction with the stage show and enthusiasm of TV westerns his original heading for the television series was the Wagon Train to the Stars. Star Trek was initially aired on American Television in 1966 and continued for three series. Each chapter was in itself an adventure, but then they were all connected together by the premise of a huge spacecraft that was crewed by a various range of individuals, travelling around the galaxy on a mission that took five years to explore different life and new evolutions, to confidently visit a place where no human being has gone in the past. Even though, not expressly successful it attracted a devoted fan-base that was partially made up of male fans that were interested in the scientific and exceptional effects essentials of the show. On the other hand, the show also enticed many female fans. Over the past three decades, the Star Trek has been using the term mega-text. Star Treks mega-text involves of much more than the innumerable studio-based television series and films; it also consists of novels, Internet chat groups, treaties and fanzines among others. That Star Treks idea of space examination is a lightly hidden metaphor for imperialism has extensively undergone analysis (Bernardi, 1998). Exploration, occupation, and incorporation are not far from the surface of the Star Trek New Generation text. Less ostensible, nonetheless, are features of the series that challenge the hegemonic understanding of this story and which current a post-colonial appraisal. Another perception that is associated to the first two is counterculture. Advocates of this impression debate that neo-tribes define such minor fragmented groups, entirety becomes a neo-tribe. Given the case, the concept does not lure attention to isolated spectacles and hence fails to create new descriptive insights. Furthermore, both the perceptions; subculture and neo-tribe are virtuously expressive concepts, deficient of any serious element. The concept of counterculture attracts attention to the diversity of lifestyle activities that resist conventional lifestyles. The difficulty with this idea is that it does not lure attention to those activities that function as a source of inspiration and social transformation. Numerous fan activities embrace an optimistic appraisal in the sense that they envision new lifestyles and sink the potentials for appearance by adding to the artistic resources of the sub-culture. Naturally, the view of a consumption subculture is a distinct minor group within a society that shares a collective concern in a particular activity (Schouten & McAlexander, 1995). On another account, critics of the subculture concept claim that the name itself fails to arrest the rich diversity and battle that exemplifies fan behavioral activities. According to postmodern conceptions, the subcultures have undergone massive fragmentation to unidentifiable subgroups without common interests. Various studies of Star Trek occur in the expansive context on media fandom (Tulloch & Jenkins, 1995); although it does not undergo constant acknowledgement as such. Studies on popular music cultures which are a sister field have been undertaken since they also examine fans and the significance they experience through being a fan. The most significant means to acquire the correct information about the establishment of the Star Trek fan body is through setting up interviews with the ordinary fans on the ground. A number of questions will come up during this procedure; for instance, the roles the Star Trek fan foundation plays in vibrant individual lives, as well as relationships. According to research based on interview undertakings, the respondents gave several diverse reasons regarding how their interest in Star Trek, as well as their induction. Some of the respondents got to know about Star Trek through senior family members such as parents or grandparents; others claim found their interest in Star Trek through their children or siblings who are involved; some claim they got interested in Star Trek because of friends. Most of the persons interviewed have a belief that Star Trek in a mechanism that can form solid bonds with any stranger from which friendships can develop. Majority of people as merely fanatics who enjoy the for numerous reasons; however, they prefer watching the television series, as well as movies alone or with their family units and friends, then, thereafter talk about the programs with limited groups of people. Ordinary fans do not engage themselves in the subculture of Star Trek; therefore, they can only be termed as ordinary fans. The ordinary fans do not join clubs, rarely attend conventions, nor do involve themselves in fan activities such as creating stories, writing songs based on Star Trek; they also do not develop friendships and relationships around the interests of Star Trek. The image portraying Star Trek as part of the normal family life and world of social ordinary people depicts an entirely different picture from the stereotype of Star Trek fans. The Trekkies are known for exemplifying the stereotypical features of the Star Trek fan; passionate and obsessive responsiveness to trivial detail and incapability to operate socially. Those who are not fans of the Star Trek usually label those who display abnormal behavior in a marginalizing manner. A large portion of the Star Trek has adopted the term Trekkies, although it is considered a word for those who behave in an abnormal way. Nonetheless, this is the part that attracts focus for academic studies. The Trekkie sensation is portion of the popular culture that consists of robust popular stereotypes. As mentioned earlier, the article seeks to examine the depth of the Star Trek in the social associations, as well as the resourceful life of the ordinary fans. Members in this display of fan societies frequently claim their indulgence is a source of inspirational pleasure and friendship. On the other hand, recluses to the crowds remain deeply mystified by the behaviors displayed by the Trekkies. There is much that remains for study regarding contemporary cultural life from the impulsive increase in the number of fanatics over the recent few years. In 1972, close to, three thousand individuals stood against the cold in order to converge in Manhattan. The event was organized by a local group that included science fiction fanatics. The attendants were supposed to listen to statements by Star Trek developer. According to the organizers, only about five hundred attendants would show up; however, when the number multiplied six, they became aware that they had commissioned a profound current of hitherto unnoticed desire. There was a massive attendance of the media at the event, eventually the world became aware of the actuality of Trekkies. Currently, there are dozens of properly attended Trek conventions all over the world every year; although, since 2005, no new episode has been produced. It is a social procedure for one to become an ordinary Star Trek fan. Many people indicate that people who are close to them are the ones responsible for their induction to the Star Trek. Most inductions are mainly done by the family members. The subculture of sincere has made progress in terms of maturity and has also flourished on the internet; however, it was brought to life when at the time when fan fiction was written for only individual fans. It has taken belief that Trekkies are the inventors of modern fan fiction. Just like any other fan fiction, Star Trek is not immune to highs and lows. Some fans continue writing about one world that the entire fan block lives, but most fans write, as well as read for numerous universe’s value of fan fiction as their perceptions grow alongside personal growth and they are acquainted with new stories that will attract the attention of the fans. The majority of people who hear about labor of obsession over Star Trek, often ask questions regarding the importance of the fan fiction compared to any other productive activity. The outcasts will ultimately cease to ask questions and instead do a bit of consolation that the writers of the fan fiction are individuals who live solitary lives and as people who do not have a family; therefore they are going through a passing phase. In the real sense, fan fiction writers are family people with good jobs, as well as careers; some are hopeful writers and some are college students. Fan-fiction writing is a pleasurable activity to others; furthermore, others may use it as a means to enhance personal creativity. The purpose of the fan writers is not to primarily make profit. Anything can undergo legal publication or can be altered before publication. Such an article is no longer considered fan fiction since fans possess profound respect for the original work and its developers. Not all fan fiction is worth reading because some of them contain several grammatical errors and spelling mistakes that are difficult for the reader to appreciate; or written in rather confusing and inappropriate tense that end up baffling the reader. Nonetheless, there are good articles of fan fiction from intelligent writers. Sometimes, the work written by a fan is of a high quality compared to the original piece. These are the best examples where writers can improve on their writing skills; since reading the writings of other authors is the best way to explore and develop admirable writing skills. Aspiring writers can find help in fan fiction since it is a large community. Within the community, there are groups that can offer a writer continual response and encouragement. Fan fiction writers keep one another motivated; since there is massive existence of fan fiction in the internet where obscurity is an option, people are not afraid or shy to point out mistakes and offer suggestions for enhancement. The main problem, however, of using fan fiction purposefully to build writing techniques is that there are specific plots and characters that the fans have to operate with; this in some way limit creativity of the fan. Nonetheless, writers find ways to handle the challenges of limitations they are facing regardless of the original work that limit creativity. Fan fiction massively requires both obsession and love. A fan should accept the virtues of the fictional characters they write about without getting trapped in a state of infatuation; if they cannot do that, the fan fiction they come up with will ultimately become just a fulfillment of fantasy. In conclusion, it is arguable that new social movement as a phrase could be the most reproductive when hypothesizing fan lifestyles. A procreative theory is one that develops new concepts, insights, descriptions, appraisals, associations, and research programs. The word new challenge facilitates the idea to challenge the organizational foundations for subcultures; on the other hand, the word movement permits both optimistic and negative critique. According to Johnson, Larana & Gusfield (1994) there are five procreative features of the theory new social arrangements: that is; the ideological proportions are categorized by pluralistic principles and philosophies with realistic alignments; secondly, mobilizing aspects tend to emphasize on cultural and representative concerns that are associated with matters of identity rather than organizational or commercial concerns; thirdly, new social activities are undertaken in specific actions rather than through organized groups; distinct from social movements, new social movements habitually involve regular, individual, and intimate facets of human life; and finally, the movements tend to segment, diffuse, and devolve. Cited work Hills, Matt ‘Media fandom, neo-religiosity, and cultural) studies’, Velvet Light Trap. 2000. Print. Jenkins, Henry. Textual Poachers: Television fans and participatory culture, New York: Routledge. 1992. Print. Johnson, Hank, Enrique Larana, and Joseph R. Gusfield. “Identities, Grievances, and New Social Movements,” in New Social Movement: From Ideology to Identity, Johnson, Larana, and Gusfield, eds. Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Press. 1994. Jindra, Michael. ‘Star Trek fandom as a religious phenomenon’, Sociology of Religion. 1994. Oglesbee, Frank W. ‘Kira Nerys: a good woman fighting well’, Extrapolation. 2004. Tulloch, John and Jenkins, Henry. Science Fiction Audiences, New York: Routledge. 1995. Print. Schouten, John and James H. McAlexander. “Subcultures of Consumption: An Ethnography of the New Bikers,” Journal of Consumer Research. 1995. Read More