Factors Contributing to the Initial Popularity of Star Trek and Star Wars

In the turbulent era of the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and societal upheaval, two iconic franchises stood out as beacons of hope and idealism: Star Trek and Star Wars. These series not only entertained but also reflected the aspirations and fears of their audiences during a period marked by significant political, social, and cultural changes.

The Cold War and Vietnam War

The tension between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, coupled with the ongoing conflict in Vietnam, created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear. The assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and several civil rights leaders exacerbated this sense of chaos and doom. Many individuals, especially the Baby Boomers, sought to challenge and overthrow the establishment.

Divided Society and Social Conflicts

The period was also marked by significant social changes and conflicts, including the civil rights movement. While the struggle for equality and freedom was a noble cause, it also led to division and confrontation. Television shows and other forms of media often reflected this divided society, with many programs appearing oppressive and reinforcing the status quo.

Star Trek: Hope and Technicolor Idealism

Against this backdrop, Star Trek emerged as a refreshing alternative. The show featured an integrated crew and celebrated diversity, presenting a world where everyone could play a productive part. Set in the far future, Star Trek emphasized hope: the idea that humanity could rise above greed, animal instincts, and the status quo to contribute positively to a diverse universe. The series’ focus on exploration and peaceful expansion for the benefit of all resonated widely, offering a vision where humanity could thrive.

Star Wars: Hope through Common Heroes

Star Wars also tapped into people’s desire for hope. It portrayed a classic hero’s journey filled with familiar characters and relatable struggles. The inclusion of non-human characters as fundamental members of society was revolutionary and normalized. The series offered a sense of agency to ordinary people, demonstrating that they could fight against the status quo and make a difference.

The Decline in Popularity: Negative Influences on Franchises

Unfortunately, both franchises have suffered a significant decline in popularity. This is largely due to the changing sensibilities and negative worldviews of the individuals or companies that acquired and controlled them. These modern iterations often snubbed the hopeful and idealistic themes that originally made Star Trek and Star Wars so popular.

Contemporary versions of Star Trek and Star Wars are laden with cynicism and negativity, emphasizing the flaws and shortcomings of the characters and universes. These shows offer nothing more than outrage and anger, with no solutions or grounds for hope. While the special effects and computer-generated imagery (CGI) have improved significantly, the emotional and thematic content often leaves viewers feeling disillusioned and disappointed.

As real life is already difficult and often harsh, many people lack the energy to endure entertainment that mirrors that negativity. The last thing they want is to be faced with a universe where corruption, hopelessness, and despair are prevalent. This explains why viewing such content can be a struggle, often leaving fans hollow and dejected.

As a result, many fans feel that they have better things to do and prefer to avoid negative shows entirely. In this era of cynicism and dissatisfaction, the allure of Star Trek and Star Wars has been tarnished, leaving many with a sense of dismay and a longing for the optimism and idealism of their earlier incarnations.