Why Benjamin Sisko Is Concerned with Race in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Benjamin Sisko, the captain of Deep Space Nine, is more than just a space explorer. He embodies a deep concern for societal issues, particularly race. This is evident in the show's exploration of social commentary, especially when Ben Sisko travels back in time to 1950s America.

The Socio-Historical Context

Benjamin Sisko's concern over racism in human society is multi-layered and rooted in his own experience. Even though the term race in his time refers to being of another species rather than having a different skin color, he is still well aware of the historical struggles faced by African Americans in the United States and elsewhere.

The show far beyond the stars delves into these issues, which are crucial to understanding Sisko's character and motivations. Sisko's experiences in the 1950s as Benny Russell highlight his personal connection to these social struggles, further emphasizing his concern.

The Evolution of Sisko's Perspective

It is significant that the show brings these issues to the forefront when Sisko travels through time. In the episode Badda-Bing Badda-Bang, Sisko's reluctance to engage in a 1962 Las Vegas casino holodeck setting is rooted in his belief that fiction should reflect real-life experiences. Here, Sisko explains:

SISKO
You want to know? I'll tell you.
It's Las Vegas nineteen sixty-two. That's my problem.
In nineteen sixty-two, brown people weren't made to feel very welcome there.

His friend, Kasidy Yates, challenges this perspective by pointing out that the holodeck allows one to imagine a different, better reality:

KASIDY
Maybe it was like that in the real Vegas, but that’s not how it is at Vics. I've never felt uncomfortable there—neither has Jake.

Sisko's response to this argument highlights his deep-seated understanding of the era and the challenges faced by African Americans:

SISKO
But don't you see, that's the lie. In nineteen sixty-two, the Civil Rights Movement was still in its infancy. It wasn't an easy time for our people, and I don't want to pretend that it was.

This exchange showcases Sisko's unwavering dedication to truth and the reality of his past, despite the comforting fiction of the holodeck. His perspective is even more valid given his previous life as Benny Russell, where he personally experienced the harsh realities of racial prejudice.

The Holodeck and Historical Accuracy

The use of the holodeck in Star Trek goes beyond mere entertainment. It serves as a powerful tool to critique and engage with complex historical issues. By refusing to participate in the 1962 Las Vegas scenario, Sisko demonstrates his ethical stance over historical accuracy. He believes that fiction should not gloss over the painful truths of the past but rather reflect them.

This stance is not only reflective of Sisko's character but also of the show's broader social commentary. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine often uses the speculative nature of the holodeck to explore contemporary and historical issues, making it a valuable platform for addressing these sensitive topics.

Conclusion

Benjamin Sisko's concern with race is rooted in both his personal experiences and his desire for historical accuracy. His willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and his unwavering commitment to reflecting the hardships of past societies make him a compelling and thought-provoking character in the Star Trek universe. His experiences as Benny Russell and his interactions with characters like Kasidy Yates provide a rich tapestry of social and historical commentary that continues to resonate with audiences.

Through the medium of the holodeck and the context of 1950s America, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine invites viewers to consider the complexities of race and societal change, making it an enduring and relevant piece of science fiction.