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Dear Debaters,
You probably haven't a clue who I am, but you will soon, for I intend to enlighten you. I'm Gabriel C. Köerner, one of the stars of the film. My role in the documentary is the representation of adolescent Trek fandom (being 15, 14 at the time, I think that is bestowed upon me by default). I've also been told that the majority of my footage serves as transitions between scenes, essentially gluing sections of the film together. I won't spend too much time on the introduction. I'm on the "Trekkies" synopsis page, and my review is the first posted on the reviews page.
But I am entering this discussion not as one of the stars of "Trekkies", but as one who has seen the film a few times (because since then, the Gabriel who appeared in the film and the Gabriel sitting in the screening room watching himself among others on a projection screen have evolved into slightly different people). I'll offer my perspective into the small fiasco developing over publicly wearing a Starfleet uniform or related Trek costume.
During my first moments in the film (following a red DS9 uniformed clip of me at Fantasticon last year, where I initially met Roger, Denise, Keith, and co. not expecting it to go any further than that), I am seen in normal attire. I subsequently pick up my ST:First Contact uniform, and wear it and the uniform I designed for my own Star Trek film endeavor for the remainder in the film.
Although never particularly sensitive about sporting the uniform for Trek club functions (usually complete with television coverage), only as a small child can I recall spontaneously wearing the uniform in plain sight of the world.
I have found that in the post-filming spotlight of "Trekkies", I have felt the overwhelming urge to distance myself from extreme Star Trek fandom, while not separating from it.
Anyone who saw my appearance on SF Vortex in July along with Roger, Denise, and Keith knows my view on uniform wearing. When people such as Ms. Adams wear their uniform in public, it is usually meant to be a proclamation that they support and believe in the ideology of Star Trek.
The drawback is that the general public as a whole is too narrow-minded to recognize that Star Trek represents such an ideology. Therefore, the message is lost, and the person ends up looking like an obsessed idiot to people who don't know that there is more to Trek than spaceships and aliens. An alternative is working to place yourself in an occupation that could perhaps contribute a small part in the establishment of what I have come to call "Trektopia". My aim as an aspiring filmmaker is to utilize the visual media as an extension of Roddenberry's ideals. It is my belief that the intention of those who wear the uniform to show their support in public is good, but the news media ignores the fact that Star Trek is a drama about the human condition, so the message of uniformed fans reaches no one on any broad basis.
It is my belief that Star Trek fans who wish to strongly and outwardly support the concept of Roddenberry's "Trektopia" should not try to show it to the world by girding their outer selves with visual elements of Star Trek itself, which serves merely as a coating for the beautiful and morally sound ideals underneath. Rather, expressing in plain terms the inner appeal of Star Trek to the world I think will be more appealing to millions of non-fans than some nut in a uniform. IF YOU REALLY WANT PEOPLE TO BE AWARE OF THE INNER QUALITIES OF TREK, PLEASE DON'T EMPHASIZE THE OUTER QUALITIES THAT MILLIONS SEE MERELY FLIPPING THROUGH CHANNELS!!! It has worked marvelously for me. It has gained me the respect of a lot of people who ridiculed me for being a fan, and it has even won me some converts. Granted, my involvement in the documentary may have distorted my perspective in this matter, but I think fellow fans reading this should give it some credence. Also bear in mind that if I'm remembered in the long run for anything, I'd like it to be for more than being just a Trekkie. I'd like to be someone who loved Star Trek, and worked in my own insignificantly limited human capacity to work toward the future we all as fans desire.
Barbara Adams, if you're out there, the address is GabrielCKoerner@zahadum.com. Let's talk. I'd really like hearing your thoughts on this perspective on this feedback board.
Well, now that I've expressed my opinions on the costume issue, and doubtlessly pissed a lot of people off, I look forward to continuing this discussion. =)
And once again, its a GREAT movie. A lot goes to Roger's editing. A crucial part of the film's success indeed. Everyone will love the finished product.
Live long and prosper...
Gabriel Charles Köerner