Although some may feel comparing Star Wars with Star Trek is like comparing Han Solo with James T. Kirk, I feel it is like comparing Ewoks with Andorian Brandy. I have enjoyed both franchises over the years, but, I do have my own biases concerning these two phenomenons. Both have their place in this world and both hold special meanings for me. However, one of them holds a bigger place in my heart. I see one as a Science Fiction Fantasy that conveys complex spiritual beliefs, and the other as a Science Fiction manifesto for a possible future.
In spite of their differences, some still debate which franchise is best. Some pose the question "If you could only have one, would you choose Star Trek or Star Wars?". I personally would not want to live in a world where I am forced to make that choice. Monogamy in a relationship is fine, but in entertainment it's rather stupid. However, if I did have to make that choice there would be a clear winner without hesitation on my part. In looking at why these two science fiction franchises should not be compared in a "which is better" contest I will also attempt to rationalize my bias toward one of them.
Star Wars: From Old Religions and Spaghetti Westerns, A New Spirituality Emerges
George Lucas's Star Wars, although it attempts to portray its' universe in shades of gray, remains strongly black and white. At its' core it is a "good vs evil" morality play, which places it in the category of most films, protagonists and antagonists interacting for our entertainment and moral enhancement. Films in the Star Wars franchise have excellent visuals, effective plots, and good dialog. Still these films are basic fantasy.
What some may feel makes Star Wars films special, is the underlaying complex spiritual themes throughout the series. These spiritual themes are pretty much taken from various Eastern belief systems of the past, but, are run through the good vs evil filter of Judeo-Christian sensibilities. Similar to many Spaghetti Westerns, there were clear "good guys" and "bad guys" and within each was a tiny bit of opportunity for the other. "The Force" could be used for good or evil. There were clear "sides". However, just like many Spaghetti Westerns, this strong definition, to me, feels labored, and unrealistic. Although some people may find comfort in thinking the real world is cut and dry, that people are either good or evil, I do not believe it is that simple.
Star Wars is purely an archetypal tale that has been told over and over again in various mediums. These tales have their place and fulfill some intrinsic need in humans to be sure. For me, Star Wars is nothing more than entertainment, as I personally don't feel the need to adopt a spirituality of Taoism filtered through Judeo-Christian sensibilities. I hope most people only view Star Wars as entertainment as the world needs far less myopia in spirituality and the message of "The Force" to me seems like a breeding machine for spiritual myopia.
Star Trek: A Vision of A Possible Future. Beam Me Up Scottie!
If we look purely at individual story lines in Star Trek we will often find some archetypal references just like we do in Star Wars or any other work of fiction. However, Star Trek has offered us far more than the archetypal tales of most fiction. Gene Roddenberry, in creating Star Trek gave the world an evolving blueprint for a possible future. Roddenberry's vision in Star Trek was so pure that even those writers who have attempted to stray from it have not been able to do so effectively. Star Trek points to what Humanity can evolve into and what type of universe we can create. Star Trek is a vision of hope, a vision of self determination. The addition of "The Prime Directive" within the series, cements Star Trek as a force that promotes tolerance and diversity as long as people continue to be entertained and enlightened by its' visionary tales. Just imagine how great our world would be now if some explorers in the past would have had The Prime Directive to follow. Those that did follow that type of thinking on their own helped humanity advance and the ones who did not follow that type of thinking hindered us greatly.
Over the years Star Trek has communicated very complex concepts to a mass audience in entertaining ways. These concepts have ranged from social issues to quantum physics. Star Trek has inspired Scientists and Inventors the world over. Many new theories and products have came about as a direct result of their creator watching Star Trek when they were young. Star Trek has had a tremendous impact on the entire planet and the evolution of Humanity. Star Trek has most likely had more impact on the world than any other entertainment franchise. This impact on the world has been a positive one.
So, Which is Better?
The Star Trek Universe is one that I would love to live in. The Star Wars Universe when I really exam its' core spiritual themes leaves me more depressed than I feel after reading a Philip K. Dick novel. The question of which of these two franchises as entertainment is better is down to a matter of personal taste. The question of which of these two franchises has had more of a positive impact on the world is clear. Star Trek is the overall winner in my opinion because it has offered the world more than just entertainment or a morality lesson.
The only other entertainment franchises that have even come close to offering the world what Star Trek has would be The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits. Star Wars vs Star Trek aside, I would even go so far as the say that Star Trek is the best entertainment franchise of all time because of the positive impact it has made on the world, a statement I make based on my personal values. I could live in a world where The Star Wars films were not made. I would not want to live in a world where the Star Trek vision did not exist.
You may be thinking that Star Trek is my all time favorite show, but that title goes to The Beverly Hillbillies and Prospero's Books, is my favorite movie. In the end it's all just a matter of how ones' personal tastes and values balance.
