Movie/TV
The original Star Trek series contains a surprising amount of social commentary. The multiracial, multiethnic makeup of Starfleet itself is testimony to Gene Roddenberry's optimistic conception of the future of race (or at least interplanetary) relations. The United Federation of Planets is like a cosmic United Nations, comprised of races more different in appearance than any found on Earth. However, the hegemony of the United Federation of Planets does cause problems to non-member planets; and there is a distinct us-versus-them sentiment among Starfleet members. However, for the most part, the missions of the U.S.S. Enterprise generally promote freedom and justice throughout the known universe. Despite the stereotyping and sexism contained within Star Trek episodes, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise is surprisingly egalitarian. Moreover, the original show was produced and aired in the 1960s, during a time of heightened racial and social turmoil in the United States. This obviously influenced such shows as Episode # 76, "The Cloud Minders." Aired in February of 1969, "The Cloud Minders" contains commentary on class conflict, gender relations, environmentalism, and
Starfleet is authorized to fetch zenite from the planet Ardana. Zenite is the only known antidote for a deadly plant disease plaguing Federation member planet Marak II. The plague on Marak II threatens to wipe out the entire population, which of course warrants intervention. Ardana is obligated to comply with Starfleet's orders because as a member planet they must offer assistance to another federation member. Therefore, Starfleet acts like "big government," and frequently interferes with the sovereignty of Federation planets. Kirk and Spock believe "there must be some mistake" that the High Advisor asked them to beam down to Stratos, the main Ardana city, rather than directly to the zenite mines. Of course, Kirk feels his "emergency" is more important than this simple request from the Ardana High Advisor. This is the kind of government that frightens libertarians and any critics of "big government." However, the matter can be considered from a Marxist or socialist perspective. The Federation of Planets believes that all members must contribute cooperate and share resources when they are in need. This episode depicts the Federation as both willing to help a planet in dire need by sharing resources and as willing to assist the just cause of revolutionaries.
The show turns into a satisfying criticism of elitism, oligarchy, and racism. Ardana is wrought with political strife. It is a typical class and race struggle: the miners slave away in horrendous working conditions below the planet's…
