no subject

[lotesse]

The reason why making Reboot!Sulu gay is weak representation is that it effectively outsources any risk to a queer individual, instead of stepping up and claiming solidarity and then biding whatever consequences. When Takei came out, he took an active risk. It worked out well, thank god, and the world seems to have pretty well embraced him for who he is. By making Nu!Sulu their One Gay, Everyone Look, We Have One, Abrams and company aren't having to put themselves on the line, because Takei has already tested the situation and found the safe ground. They know they can follow behind him without too much resistance from the public. Everyone will cheer and no-one will fuss.

Takei's remarks on authorial intent were muddled, but - Roddenberry was at least consistently gutsy in his diversity-related gambits. This, in contrast, is some weaksauce market-tested cowardice.

Comments

[anghraine]

I think it's a ... net good, but ngl, I'm repelled by the whole concept of ~respecting~ a gay man by going against his express wishes for his character. He said outright that he would very much like them to introduce a gay character in ST (and lbr after fifty years? pls), just not Sulu. Using him as part of their publicity when it's exactly what he asked them not to do?

Nah, bro.

[lotesse]

Have you ever seen this vid? I think part of the reason why I'm so sulky is bc Trek has given us some of the best almost-but-not-quite queer romances out there, and for this to be the situation that gets us a canonically gay character, with Takei unhappy, under the aegis of Abrams who doesn't understand jack about Trek, in the followup movie to the one with the white Khan ... nah.

[anghraine]

Yeah, exactly. And then there are people sneering at Takei for just not ~understanding~ because progressive points, which is indefensible as far as I'm concerned.

I haven't seen it, though I know the vidder! But ST is definitely very well-known for the almost-but-not-quite romances, so it's a very bitter bittersweet.