Manifest Destiny across the genres
Manifest Destiny disturbed me deeply. The facts about the United States’ territorial expansion were not new to me, but I had never read such a comprehensive account of the schools of thought that justified such expansion. In particular, the justification that God had selected the American people to civilize other nations was troubling. That is the same justification being used retrospectively for the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Since there were no Weapons of Mass Destruction, there has been a posthumous attempt to declare that that was not our goal. However, the goal replacing it is instilling democracy in Iraq. That was the same goal the U.S. expressed with regards to the Philippines and others. It was the United States’ duty to civilize a backward people. The question of democracy was less clear-cut, because they questioned whether such backwards people could ever be trusted with it, but, in general, much of the rhetoric is eerily reminiscent. Have we returned to 1900?
Another thought I had about the idea of “manifest destiny” regarded Star Trek. There are several conflicting representations of manifest destiny in the show. On the one hand, the Borg clearly feel it is their duty and destiny to assimilate all races and make one universal collective. (“You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.”) But the Federation also seems to have a sense of its own manifest destiny of expansion as well. Although the Prime Directorate prevents them from interfering with primitive races, they expect every race to join them after it develops Warp capabilities. Both of these theories of manifest destiny are thrown into question during the course of the show. Of course, most resist assimilation into the Borg, but the escape of Guinan and others of her race show that, although resistance may be difficult, it is possible. Furthermore, the episode (not movie) “First Contact” that we watched last week, questions the Federation’s manifest destiny when some races choose their own independence and self-importance over unity with others.
posted by lennearb @ 9:23 AM
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