According to the Star Trek universe’s history, today marks the start of the infamous Bell Riots. It is one of humanity’s pivotal moments, illustrating that disaster incites change. It also seems uncomfortably closer to reality than some may think.
“The Bell Riots…was one of the most violent civil disturbances in American history, and it happened right here. San Francisco, Sanctuary District A, the first week of September, twenty twenty four.” – Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks).
The Gray Line Between Sci-Fi and Reality
Science fiction has often shown us the worst-case scenario of realistic future outcomes for humanity. One such classic example could be overwhelming technology resulting in disaster (2001: A Space Odyssey, 1968). Another shows humanity’s eventual overpopulation and our struggle to survive (Soylent Green, 1968). Lest we forget the dangers of pre-mature space exploration (Alien, 1979), one of science fiction’s earliest debuts silently showed the world the dangerous combination of technology and greed (Metropolis, 1927).
The list could go on, with many themes shown throughout every Star Trek series and motion picture. Star Trek is known for making bold televised statements. Starting with Nichelle Nichols, who made history as the first African-American woman in a lead role on television. She then went on to then engage in the first interracial kiss on TV with Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner).
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (ST: DS9) did it once again in “Past Tense, Parts 1 and 2” (3×11, 3×12). The episode centres around the economy and socio-political issues of the 21st century. In Star Trek’s past, the United States government set up sanctuary districts to house people who were either homeless, mentally ill or found to be generally “at-risk”.
A Matter of ‘Luck’
The USS Defiant visits Earth for meetings with Starfleet Command. Captain Sisko, Lt. Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell), and Doctor Julian Bashir (Alexander Siddig) are transported to the surface. An anomaly during transport suddenly throws the team back in time. They arrive in San Francisco as intended, but in the year 2024. Captain Sisko and Dr. Bashir are found by police and taken to Sanctuary District A.
They are told they would be “safer” in the district, as they were without identification or money. It doesn’t take long for them to realize that it was nearly impossible to leave once inside the sanctuary’s walls. The team tries to find shelter to stay out of history’s way.
Sisko and Bashir meet all sorts of people in the sanctuary. Slang terms separated the population into a sort of caste system. “Gimmies” were generally healthy but victims of the economy due to the loss of employment, money, food and shelter. “Dims” referred to those who were uneducated or chronically homeless. Finally, “ghosts” had difficulty adapting to sanctuary life. Afflicted by severe mental illness, they were regarded as being unstable and dangerous.
“…that’s the whole point of the sanctuary – to give people in trouble food and a place to stay..” – Chris Brynner (Jim Metzler)
“Then why is there a wall around it?” – Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell)
Lt. Dax, on the other hand, materialized further down in a train station tunnel’s stairway and was discovered by wealthy businessman Chris Brynner (Jim Metzler). Brynner was the head of a company that led an internet-based information exchange service. He took her back to his offices, where he provided money, food, and luxurious shelter. Quickly, Dax began looking for her crewmates.
A Twist of Fate
Captain Sisko had previously explained to Dr. Bashir that the Bell Riots were named aptly after the righteous leader of the riot, Gabriel Bell. Through his efforts, the world ultimately became aware of the harsh realities of the sanctuary districts. Shortly thereafter, the sanctuaries were shut down, and the government was forced to fix its economic and socio-political issues. History shows that Gabriel Bell died during the riots.
Due to Sisko’s and Bashir’s accidental involvement in a fight between Bell and a violent gang, the original Gabriel Bell was murdered prematurely. To protect history, Captain Sisko decides to take on Bell’s identity, fulfilling a critical role in this historic event.
Fortunately, the riot and subsequent holding of hostages by Sisko and Bashir succeeded the way history needed it to. Sisko convinced a guard to put his “Bell” nametag on the body of someone who didn’t survive, and the team was able to escape the sanctuary. Eventually, the Defiant’s crew locates and saves the entire away team.
“…there is one thing I don’t understand: how could they have let things get so bad?“
“That’s a good question. I wish I had an answer.“– Julian Bashir and Benjamin Sisko
Too Close for Comfort
It is not very often that historical dates in the Star Trek universe come to pass in the real world. The most recent prior to today would have been the launching of the S.S. Botany Bay in 1996, carrying Khan Noonien Singh. This followed the Eugenic’s Wars which would’ve occurred between 1992 and 1996. Although this era stayed well-rooted in fiction, others tend to be remarkably accurate.
In this year of 2024, we indeed see economic struggle fueled by political agendas. The cost of living continues to increase, while salaries do not. We see a staggering amount of homeless persons. Municipalities declare States of Emergencies due to increasing homelessness. Shelters are at-capacity with waiting lists spanning years. Entire families lose their homes due to affordability, and renting is not much better due to overwhelming rental rates.
We see the rich getting richer, and the poor getting poorer – a true Ferengi’s dream (according to Quark!). The mental health crisis continues to mount as well. Growing stigma and lack of resources to properly care of those in need continues to escalate. These are all factors that could lead a civilization to create “sanctuary districts,” to act as a Band-Aid. This, of course, is definitely not the way to handle our domestic nor international crisis.
Everlasting Wisdom
Those who do not learn from “the future,” are doomed to make it a reality (to coin a phrase). This sci-fi theme must be carefully considered. Our next Star Trek “date” comes in a mere 39 years, when Zefram Cochran launches us into space. (Let’s hope we are ready by then!) May sci-fi continue to bring us messages and glimpses into our possible future; and may influential leaders consider such possibilities.
And to all of us….Live Long and Prosper!
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