Snookie, that is genuinely one of the most moving posts I have ever read on this forum. I think that I will once again dig out the box set and re-watch from your perspective over the weekend. To be honest, I have never thought about Star Trek from this perspective - it was always just a fact of the show that in the future we would all be equal, irrespective of sex, nationality or planet (an idea that clashed with my upbringing in 1970's/80's Ireland, but one I certainly nurtured into adulthood!). In comparison to your story, it makes the fact that I never, ever, wear a red tunic to work seem quite trifling!
The dream for all food safety personnel, I guess, is indeed to live long. We may have to discuss the prosper bit though!
I wish I had the box set tonight. I think the world could use a little more Star Trek right now. We need a bit more of the possibilities and not the "war on terror". A bit more of what we share and the ability to embrace some of differences. A bit more equality, economically, socially, medically, and educationally and a lot more respect for each other as well as helping each other.
You're right that it is indeed difficult for those of us in food safety to "live long and prosper" especially those who care, but in the end it is in my view my contribution.
While I did not have the "Irish" experience, there were was still plenty of conflict in my world which is why Star Trek was so important to me. It gave me a ideal to nurture and hold onto and while it has not been my experience, I can work so perhaps my boys will get a bit more than I.
I always preferred, science blue.