While DS9 actively showed flaws to make Starfleet and the Federation seem real instead of an impossibly idealized vision, TNG shows cracks on a rewatch. Like your great point about conceited enlightenment, the flaws humanize the Federation’s detractors, the Ferengi, Klingons, and Romulans weren’t wrong. Weren't there a few episodes where they discussed losing their principles if their material conditions deteriorated?
Reminds me of Zizek’s point that happiness doesn’t come from government and society and that happiness isn’t the goal. We just don’t wanna live in a chaotic system that wastes lives and resources.
Weren’t there a few episodes where they discussed losing their principles if their material conditions deteriorated?
Yep, once on DS9 when they get stuck in the 21st century and they're in the sanctuary district/ghetto:
BASHIR: But it makes you wonder, doesn't it? Are humans really any different than Cardassians or Romulans? If push comes to shove, if something disastrous happens to the Federation, if we are frightened enough, or desperate enough, how would we react? Would we stay true to our ideals or would we just stay up here, right back where we started?
While DS9 actively showed flaws to make Starfleet and the Federation seem real instead of an impossibly idealized vision, TNG shows cracks on a rewatch. Like your great point about conceited enlightenment, the flaws humanize the Federation’s detractors, the Ferengi, Klingons, and Romulans weren’t wrong. Weren't there a few episodes where they discussed losing their principles if their material conditions deteriorated?
Reminds me of Zizek’s point that happiness doesn’t come from government and society and that happiness isn’t the goal. We just don’t wanna live in a chaotic system that wastes lives and resources.
Yep, once on DS9 when they get stuck in the 21st century and they're in the sanctuary district/ghetto: