Science Fiction has often been used as a vehicle in which to discuss controversial issues. It serves as such because people, ideas, and conflicts can be presented in an alien light — both figuratively and literally — thus removing any direct implications and allowing the story to play out. If the original Star Trek series broke new ground in addressing controversy, then I believe no series in modern Star Trek explored and expanded on that ground better than Deep Space Nine. This presentation will discuss the importance of televised science fiction as a medium for allegory, specifically the exploration of belief and fact, the religious and secular, and the understanding that can be achieved between the two as presented in the television show Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The discussion will focus primarily on the show’s chief protagonists Captain Benjamin Sisko of the secular Federation, and Major Kira Nerys of the spiritual Bajoran people.
About the presenterChristopher Morgan
Chris Morgan is a musician and co-founder of The Lost Signals, a podcast network whose main focus is pop-culture narrative in various forms of media. There he serves as a contributing analyst and court composer. His blog, “Narrative Timbre,” discusses how music serves as narrative in its various applications.
An avid fan of science fiction, Chris is fascinated by its application as commentary and allegory for social issues.