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“Keeping up with the
Jones”
Jones”
|
By CAROLYN WILSON
I sought pure escapism over bar-b-que this past holiday weekend and so after I
fulfilled several pre-scheduled commitments I arrived at my destination. I alternated
kicking back between “Where no man has gone before” and also “In a galaxy far, far
away” with a group of familiar comrades.
There was Kirk, Spock, Bones, Uhura, Luke, Leia, Yoda, and a pair of loyal droids C-
3PO and R2-D2. Of course I’m talking about Star Trek and Star Wars. I believe that
these and other sci-fi franchises are the equivalent of “Keeping up with the Jones”
compared to the classic westerns that were the forerunners to the predictable yet
highly successful and marketable concept of good guy vs. bad guy, good guy always
wins in the end story line. From the comfort of our home or movie theater seats our
two hour glimpse into the fantasy future provides a visual timeline that heroes and
heroines have become more technically savvy in fighting the good fight to save
humanity, friendly creatures and whatever planets they pledge to defend to the death.
In the midst of watching the various older movies for the umpteenth time I experienced
moments of “You’ve got to be kidding” after witnessing daring escapes to laughing at
the clearly ancient gadgets and props used in the scenes. Remember the Star Wars
and Star Trek prequels were created long after the sequels of the sixties through
eighties so we are the beneficiaries of technology that the characters during that time
period could have never accessed because none of the computerized firepower of
today had been invented yet. Ironic.
“Keeping up with the Jones” is nothing new in our every day lives. Decades ago when
columnists used non-electric typewriters they were responsible for submitting good
copy and on time. The only advantage that I have is an electronic computer included
with Microsoft Word however I still have to write it. I will have to live a little longer for the
day that my columns will write themselves. I could also use more firepower to submit
consistently on time.
I sought pure escapism over bar-b-que this past holiday weekend and so after I
fulfilled several pre-scheduled commitments I arrived at my destination. I alternated
kicking back between “Where no man has gone before” and also “In a galaxy far, far
away” with a group of familiar comrades.
There was Kirk, Spock, Bones, Uhura, Luke, Leia, Yoda, and a pair of loyal droids C-
3PO and R2-D2. Of course I’m talking about Star Trek and Star Wars. I believe that
these and other sci-fi franchises are the equivalent of “Keeping up with the Jones”
compared to the classic westerns that were the forerunners to the predictable yet
highly successful and marketable concept of good guy vs. bad guy, good guy always
wins in the end story line. From the comfort of our home or movie theater seats our
two hour glimpse into the fantasy future provides a visual timeline that heroes and
heroines have become more technically savvy in fighting the good fight to save
humanity, friendly creatures and whatever planets they pledge to defend to the death.
In the midst of watching the various older movies for the umpteenth time I experienced
moments of “You’ve got to be kidding” after witnessing daring escapes to laughing at
the clearly ancient gadgets and props used in the scenes. Remember the Star Wars
and Star Trek prequels were created long after the sequels of the sixties through
eighties so we are the beneficiaries of technology that the characters during that time
period could have never accessed because none of the computerized firepower of
today had been invented yet. Ironic.
“Keeping up with the Jones” is nothing new in our every day lives. Decades ago when
columnists used non-electric typewriters they were responsible for submitting good
copy and on time. The only advantage that I have is an electronic computer included
with Microsoft Word however I still have to write it. I will have to live a little longer for the
day that my columns will write themselves. I could also use more firepower to submit
consistently on time.