Everyone has the right to their own opinion.
On many podcasts, Star Trek or not, people showcase their own thoughts on a particular show or performance and let their audience decide if they agree or not. I am 100% for people having that right to do so, but I am 100% against people going on other podcasts to say, "You're wrong, I'm right, get over it", which we have been seeing too much of that in our own Star Trek community.
Since Star Trek: Discovery premiered, as some fans call it "The NuTrek", there has been a pretty decent divide between the fandom. As I am new to the fandom, I am excited for all the content I get to sink my teeth into and enjoy the diversity of the storytelling. But it seems not all fans have that same mindset. Now again, everyone has a right to their opinion, and if there is a show they just do not like, that is okay! But as a fandom, we have leaned more towards the Toxic fandom that Star Wars seems to be associated with, instead of the positivity side that Star Trek represents.
The new Star Trek project, "Starfleet Academy" is set to premiere in less than a week, and I have seen some pretty positive reviews from those who got to see the premiere. But the fans who have decided to hate it before it even airs have flooded the comments section as quickly as Riker sank in the Armus pit. One commenter wrote:
"God, this is going to be a dumpster fire" (Tik Tok)
Again, you do not have to love every Star Trek show or movie that is produced, but why go on other people's feeds and rain on our parade because "This isn't the Star Trek I grew up with". It just doesn't make sense to me. And we are losing sight of the good that Gene Roddenberry envisioned for Star Trek.
Yes, Starfleet Academy is different right off the bat. It is set in the 32nd Century with new ships and technology. Its main cast is all young cadets like a futuristic 90210. But is that truly a bad thing? We want Star Trek to grow and be diverse. Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations. We want a Trek for all fans, not just the ones who grew up with it. I recently spoke to a co-worker of mine, who is not into Star Trek at all, but was interested in giving Starfleet Academy a try due to the fact that it had a different vibe than the rest. If we want Star Trek to succeed and grow, we have to think outside the box, instead of recycling the same material for the last 60 years.
Again, everyone has a right to like or dislike what they want, but be mindful of those who are excited or cautiously optimistic about the new series and seasons of Star Trek. You can disagree with a podcast and explain why you feel the way you do, but you don't need to spread negativity. As my friend Tim (FSF Popcast) likes to say, let's share Aggressive Positivity and love what we love and continue to showcase that. There is a platform for everyone, let's utilize it.
As Starfleet Academy approaches, I am looking forward to a different story with an amazing cast. I am excited to see the legends that are Robert Picardo, Holly Hunter, and Paul Giamatti at the helm. I am excited to continue the story that Gene created so long ago. I appreciate everyone involved in giving the fans more Star Trek, no matter what that looks like. I am going to spread the Star Trek love, I am going to shower the new cast with love and positivity, and I will be honest with my thoughts without bringing down the room. Let's boldly go where no one has gone before, and enjoy what Star Trek has to offer.
