So, the new Star trek movie, the reboot of the original series. It seems that the Spock/ Uhura (S/U) relationship (”ship”), and particularly the interracial kisses that were depicted (gasp! cry! omg!), have caused a huge stir in the mostly white fan base.
Luckily for the anti-racist crowd, there’s a equally nerdy POC Star Trek 2.0 fan base out there, who have done closer, more intricate, and more detailed readings of TOS than even I thought imaginable. These folks also rock with AR analysis. Two of my worlds, in one. My life is complete.
Via racialicious.com, I found ankhesen-mie.
So, first up is a quiz. A small 16 question quiz about your response to the S/U ship (just getting into the lingo here, folks). I’ve learned tons about ways to present materials to folks who are struggling to get it, or resisting getting it, and please note the writer doesn’t use the term “racist” ever. But people sure respond as if s/he did.
http://ankhesen-mie.livejournal.com/24009.html
The first seven questions:
1) Do you feel horrified when you see Spock kiss a woman who looks like Uhura, and don’t know why?
2) Do you look at Zoe Saldana and feel you “just can’t trust her” but can’t say why?
3) Do you think Uhura’s not a very feminine character, but just can’t say why?
4) Would you prefer Spock to be with Christine Chapel over Uhura?
5) Do you think the Spock/Uhura relationship—in the story—is controversial because of Uhura?
6) Do you consider yourself a “die-hard” Trek fan but still don’t agree with the pairing?
7) Have you watched all things Trek—shows, films, interviews, etc. pertaining to this cast—and still think this pairing “came out of nowhere”?
…..
Next up, a follow-up blog post detailing the various objectors to the first post. Their responses have been nicely organized for us: The Poor Taste Reaction, The Uncomfortable Reaction, etc. Funny, cute and smart! This is so my new favourite blog!
http://ankhesen-mie.livejournal.com/24071.html