You don't have to be a Trekkie to be repulsed by the glamorization of torture in pop culture. And you don't have to be a Trekkie to click the link below and sign the petition. I did.
I would like to ask for your help in an effort to draw attention to the fact the popular culture in the US continues to feature the glorification or -- justification -- of torture. Shows like "24" and "Alias" are feeding into the culture of fear which has been manipulated by this administration to help allow glaring infringements upon civil rights and justify human rights violations.
Please sign the petition at:
http://trekkies.againsttorture.com/open-letter.html
More info:
We all know as activists that how the mainstream media portrays human rights violations affects our ability to organize people to fight against such violations.
The web site I have made directs its efforts at one of the most popular (currently) and successful producer/directors in Hollywood: J.J. Abrams. Many of his shows also feature the glorification of torture. He is currently producing and directing the new Star Trek movie. I think this presents a perfect opportunity to pressure him to change his tactics since Star Trek is known for its pro human rights message. Therefore, I am trying to kick off an action using Star Trek as a vehicle. I hope to enlist more mainstream support.
I am working on getting coverage with BBC's The World and am even talking to Stephen Colbert about covering this, but I desperately need more signatures on my online letter to Abrams.
PLEASE come to http://trekkies.againsttorture.com and sign the letter, and then -- just as important -- please forward the request to everyone you know.
You don't need to be a Star Trek fan -- just someone opposed to the glorification or justification of torture in art or pop culture.
Thank you! We have 271 signatures and counting. Letters sent to all the Star Trek stars and we are picking up more traction. Thanks for your help!
ReplyDeletePaul
“Torture has never been a reliable means of extracting information. It is ultimately self-defeating as a means of control. One wonders that it is still practiced.” – Capt. Jean-Luc Picard, in Star Trek TNG :Chain of Command Part 2”