Science Fiction has been a tool for Social Commentary for quite some time. In Jules Verne's
20 Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, an Indian, Captain Nemo could be credited as being a harbinger of the Third World Liberation Movements in general and the modern Indian Independence Movement in particular.
In more modern times Gene Roddenberry was known for specifically putting social commentary into Star Trek. Let That Be Your Last Battlefield was the episode that dealt directly with the issue of racism and its stupidity and illogical reasoning. Star Trek as a whole became known for its social commentary and ability to point out, through science fiction, societies flaws. Continued...
Today in the climate of hate and fear in the United States it is even more important for this type of social commentary to be made. With that in mind I have found such commentary in the form of a fanseries based upon star Trek called Star Trek Hidden Frontier. The series deals with several current hot topics including terrorism with the episode
Security Counsel.
In the episode A Federation world is so threatened by terrorism it must take drastic measures to protect itself. But at what cost? It is a remarkable commentary on what is currently happening in the US with the infringement of our civil liberties after 9/11.
Another important aspect of Hidden Frontier is the fact that for the first time in Star Trek you have the portrayal of gay characters in recurring roles. Lt. Corey Aster, Lt. Ro Nevin and Jorien Zen are involved in a love triangle with twists and turns through the series. Ro has to come to terms with his religious beliefs and his love for Corey Aster. Its a very well written love story and it also shows the reality that some people do have religious issues to over come towards homosexuality.
I urge everyone who cares about current events in this country and cares about social commentary to come and watch this story. It is a work of love on the part of people who put this together on a strictly "volunteer/unpaid" basis.