Nov 20: I suffer from Trekophobia

Astronomy
I can't watch Star Trek.

I like a lot of things, astronomy being one of them - but I simply don't like watching science fiction movies or tv shows. I don't enjoy them. Most of what I have seen is not only poor 'science' but is also extemely poor 'fiction'. They are about as interesting to me as watching a church service.

Maybe I have a lack of imagination. Perhaps I'm a freak or <...gulp...> a geek! I get knocked off my perch when I hear my astronomical friends say (as some frequently do) that if you are an astronomer you are automatically a science fiction fan.

Well I'm not. The two are totally different and being stimulated by seeing a planetary nebula through the eyepiece or imaging a bright comet bears no relationship to getting excited over a movie about imaginary aliens. The only common denominator is space, so it's a bit like saying that because you like Billy Connolly you must be a fan of Andre Rieu - the only common denominator being a theatre (and maybe long hair).

It is possible to like one without liking the other and as an amateur astronomer, there are even some aspects of astronomy I don't like. <gasp> 

I've listened to so many conversations about astronomy that degenerate into talking about Star Trek - one of the most exquisitely boring tv programmes that I've ever endured - that my eyes must glaze over as I try to keep thinking about astronomy whilst the tales of the starship Enterprise are rolled out. It's turned me into an antitrekky.


Acknowledgements to Knife

Even in conversation with non-astronomers, just mention the word "galaxy" and I will cringe when the first words they respond with are "far, far away." (yes, yes, I know that's not Star Trek). I once worked with a guy named Scott - and you can probably guess what everybody else said when we all got in the lift together and he pressed the "up" button, so I won't repeat it.

Oh well, it will probably shock all of my friends but the stark truth is now public information. I am "outing" myself. I'm from the dark side.  I'm a trekophobic.

What will they think of me?

Posted by roger in Astronomy Comments: (2)

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#1 - Davy said:
2012-11-22 22:36 -

Hi Rog - neither freak nor geek me'thinks. Personal preference is all :-) For myself - there is 'good' sci-fi and 'bad' sci-fi - just the same as any other genre. However - I find an understanding of - perhps what may best be described as 'the history' of any genre often helps understand the objectives of any genre. Having gained an insight into the objectives often improves the appreciation ;-) Hope that makes some sense ol' mate. BTW - I hated the very smell of curry when I was young - but having gained an understanding of its 'objectives and history' I now quite enjoy a good curry :-) hehehe

#2 - Roger said:
2012-11-22 22:49 -

Thanks, Davey. I'm not as intellectual as you, so I just decide whether I like a programme on whether I...errrm... like it or not. :) I prefer programmes such as Q&A or Quantum, so maybe that qualifies me as a geek?


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