| The article I chose to write about is, “Star Trek Fandom as a Religion Phenomenon” by Michael Jindara. The essay expolors the ethnographic aspects of Star Trek but instead of looking into the show itself, it takes a look into the fans of the show or as they call themselves: “trekkies”. It examines the history and practice of trekkies in literature, at conventions and in fan clubs. Jindara claims that religion can be found in Star Trek Fandom. He says that in this time scholars are able to find religion in nonconventional locations and this can be seen by the formation of community with regularized practices that involve a heirarchy. There is an argument that these unconventional believes can be religions and some people view them as cults. This article could support this argument because it sees Star Trek’s fanbase as religious followers because of their practices. One of the only religious ties he brings up that I could agree with is the idea that because there is a stigma surrounding the Star Trek community, it is similar to the stigma surrounding certain religions. Jindara’s argument would refute certain arguments held by many religious people who think it is disrespectful to claim anyone can come up with a belief system and then classify it as a religion. Overall, I think it’s an interesting way to look at Star Trek’s community. Jindara, Michael. “Star Trek Fandom as a Religion Phenomenon”. Sociology of Religion, vol. 55, no. 1, Assoiciation for the Sociology of religion, Mar. 1994, pp. 27-51. |
Using Google Scholar or another online academic article database, find an article related to Star Trek. Read the abstract, briefly summarize it in your post, and tell me about a potential argument it could support or refute. Remember to cite the source!
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