Lessons From: Science Fiction?

How re-watching an older TV series caused reflection

So, I’ve been re-watching the reboot of “Battlestar Gallactica” from the early 2000’s.  Many of you may not care for science fiction (and that’s fine), but I think it’s probably one of the most well written and played science fiction shows ever made.  The reviews are lackluster for the 4 season revamp and the mini-series prequel but I think that that’s due, in large part, to the depth and detail in the show (one must be able to focus on each episode or they will be lost moving forward), the social issues included in most of the episodes and, of course, it’s a bit too militaristic in many ways.  That being said, I have been in awe re-watching this series.  It has made me reflect on many of the problems facing our culture and our world today. 

Without giving away the whole premise of the show for those of you who haven’t seen it, I will try and generalize things without revealing everything.  In a nutshell, Human Beings have created robots (Cylons) to serve them and, ultimately, the robots become self-aware and decide that they can better run the world and they proceed to wipe out human beings.  The Cylons are doing this (in the reboot anyway, I never saw the original series from the 1980’s) while claiming they, and only they, know the one true God and that only they know how to have a successful and loving society.  They hope that by literally breeding with human beings a new life form will be created and everything will be awesome.  There’s a LOT more going on in this series.  And this is where I reveal some of the amazing things I have either learned, or been reminded of, about human beings while watching.

Number one:  There is such a thing as a “good leader”, and even a “good” leader can sometimes fail.  They can lie, cheat, steal and murder (they are only human right?).  Sometimes they even justify their bad behavior because they believe it’s for “the common good.” But, there truly are some decent “leaders” that aren’t afraid to eventually apologize for their decisions when they realize they were wrong and made those decisions in the heat of the moment under intense pressure.  Personally, if I was to choose a leader, it would be this type.  Imperfect, but real.  Courageous, loving, decisive and humble when need be.

Number two:  An organization or group will never stop trying to infiltrate their opposition, even going as far as looking like those around them.  (The Cylons made themselves look like humans so they could integrate with the human population and push their agenda forward).  Talking like, acting like and pretending like they agree with you to try and foil your plans or, even worse, to take over your group and destroy your plans completely.

Number three:  Politicians are just that:  Politicians.  And even if the entire human race is in jeopardy (which, in the show, there are numerous times that literally the last of the human race is in jeopardy of being wiped out completely) they will often *still* make decisions that are selfish in nature, choosing to figure out ways to justify their despicable actions in hopes that somehow it will “all work out” in the end and “hopefully” they won’t be blamed for the outcome.  If the outcome is good, they take credit for it, if the outcome is bad, they deny it.

Number four:  We aren’t alone in our beliefs and there is always a group of people that agree with us and truly want things to be better (these people are usually not into “politics” and just want a society where people can thrive and enjoy life based on their own merits).  In the series, more than once, there are rebel groups that just want to have a life.  They just want to be left alone and not have to choose a side in the insane battle between Cylons and Humans.  Live and let live and let’s get on with fixing what we have.

Number five:  Sometimes the Cylon can be your friend!  If there’s a common goal that makes sense for all parties involved, even that person you thought was out to destroy you can help achieve that goal!  In the series, there are times when the “fleet” (which is comprised of space ships literally carrying the last of the human race) have to team up with the Cylons to accomplish goals, such as in finding a new home for both Human and Cylon alike or fighting off enemies to both of them.  They both realize that if they don’t work together, NEITHER group will find a home. 

Number six:  There are no Cylons in fox holes.  For those who haven’t been in the military, a fox hole is usually a hole in the ground that is dug to set up a machine gun, etc to defend a position.  Often in the military there are sayings like, “there’s no atheists in fox holes” and other similar statements.  When things get really bad in society things like race, creed, color, gender and many other physical attributes go out the window.  There’s a reason that maniacal governments, “interest groups” (often posing as “caring” individuals) and corporate media attempts to divide people based on physical attributes.  In most cases, it’s the ONLY difference between us!  Almost all people on earth have most everything in common!  We all want a decent life with clean food and water, genuine medical care when needed, a roof over our heads, friends that we choose and so on and so forth.  I won’t go too far down this path, but can anyone see what has been done to us over the last 15 years or so?  RESIST that crap.  Physical attributes are NEVER  a good reason to be divided.  Ever. 

I could go on and on and on with more and more examples of social issues presented (brilliantly, not “in your face”) in this show.  Everything from *medical choices* to a person wanting to be blown out of the air lock because they couldn’t take it anymore. 

I am not sure why I even submitted this post.  I am just a guy that has an opinion about everything.  No subject is taboo for me.  In re-watching Battlestar Galactica I think I was struck by just how far we have fallen in just 20 months.  Just how divided we have become.  When, in reality, EVERYTHING IS THE SAME.   Viruses are still viruses.  Politicians are still just that, there are good leaders and bad leaders, neighbors can either be nasty or amazing, So-called “Boomers” can be wise and some of the most liberty minded people you will ever meet (I am one of those!) or they can be more compliant and submissive than any other group.  Young people can be amazing and totally mixed up all at the same time and the list goes on and on.

Guess what?  We are ALL STILL NORMAL.  There isn’t any such thing as a “new normal”.  Human beings haven’t changed much and they never will (except in minor ways).  It has to be the reason that the Monster: Klaus Schwab says we “must change you”.  Because these people know.  They know that if we aren’t changed at some level we will awaken and see what’s really going on and put a stop to one of the most destructive agendas ever pushed in world history.  A medical tyranny (along with other tyranny) of the likes never seen on the world’s stage.  So, I beg of all of us:  Don’t let them!  Let’s go back to our lives saying NO to the divisive insanity that is literally being shoved down our throats by government and media.  We can do this.  But we have to remember that Cylons and Humans CAN work together and create one of the most amazing futures for humanity.  Now THAT is a battle I am willing to sign up for!