William Shatner Critiques Presentism in Media and Literature

Renowned actor William Shatner, famous for his role in the iconic “Star Trek” series, voiced his concerns about the phenomenon known as Presentism through expressive social media posts on Wednesday. He strongly criticized the ongoing trend of historical erasure and the rewriting of literary works.

Presentism, as Shatner explained, has been a significant force over recent years, impacting how history is perceived and recorded. He recalled unsettling events from 2020 following the tragic death of George Floyd, which incited widespread protests and debates regarding historical monuments. “It’s called Presentism, and it was used to wreak havoc on history several years ago when statues were torn down, books were banned, and things were renamed to prove how progressive the world had become,” he stated on platform X.

Shatner’s comments underscore a growing concern among some individuals regarding societal shifts and their implications for historical context. He recounted specific instances highlighting this trend, particularly focusing on how it affects beloved cultural artifacts.

A Grievance Over Altered Iconic Phrases

One of Shatner’s primary grievances revolved around the alteration of his notable introductory phrase from the original “Star Trek” series. He accused Paramount+, the streaming service hosting the series, of having intentionally modified his famous line, originally stating, “to boldly go where no man has gone before.” He described this change as an example of Presentism at its finest. Despite his claims, it was later confirmed that the phrase remains unchanged on the platform.

In a follow-up tweet, he appeared to contradict his original assertion by stating that it seemed like the line had been restored. He remarked, “They must have restored it. The monologue used to be imperceptible to the background music.” This inconsistency sparked discussions among fans and critics alike regarding the accuracy and integrity of such iconic phrases.

Attempts to reach Paramount+ for an official comment did not yield immediate responses. This lack of clarity left the public awaiting further information from the company regarding the alleged modifications.

Controversy Surrounding Laura Ingalls Wilder

In addition to expressing his views on changes in pop culture, Shatner highlighted his concerns about the backlash faced by literary figures such as Laura Ingalls Wilder. He directed attention to the alterations made to Wilder’s celebrated “Little House on the Prairie” series due to perceived cultural insensitivity. Shatner lamented the role of activists, often dubbed as “wokies,” in influencing these adjustments to historical narratives.

“Obviously you were not around when the wokies coerced the Library Association to change the name of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Literary Award to a generic name because of presentism and their objections on how Native Americans were depicted in the late 1800s,” he tweeted, emphasizing his disapproval of these cultural shifts.

Shatner pointed to specific lines in Wilder’s writing that have drawn criticism. He mentioned a line where a character indicates that there were no people living on the prairie except for Indigenous individuals, arguing that while it reflects an outdated perspective, it also mirrors the societal views of 1860s America.

Impact of the ALSC Vote

The ire surrounding Wilder’s legacy culminated in 2018 when the Association of Library Service to Children, known as ALSC, voted unanimously to rename the “Laura Ingalls Wilder Award” to the “Children’s Literature Legacy Award.” This controversial decision stemmed from their determination to align with their core values of inclusivity and respect.

In a statement following the vote, the ALSC elaborated, saying, “The decision was made in consideration of the fact that Wilder’s legacy, as represented by her body of work, includes expressions of stereotypical attitudes inconsistent with ALSC’s core values of inclusiveness, integrity and respect, and responsiveness.” This declaration highlighted the ongoing friction between traditional literary interpretation and contemporary societal standards.

Future Implications of Presentism

Shatner’s comments contribute to a broader conversation about how society grapples with its evolving perspectives on culture and history. As more individuals express their concerns about Presentism, the challenges it presents become increasingly apparent. How do we honor the past while promoting a future that reflects modern values?

With movements continuing to redefine cultural narratives, the crossroads of past and present remain a contentious battleground. Voices like Shatner’s serve as reminders of the complexities involved in navigating these turbulent waters. As the debate intensifies, audiences nationwide will undoubtedly keep a watchful eye on how media and literature evolve in the wake of such scrutiny.

In summary, William Shatner’s remarks highlight the significant tension between preserving historical integrity and adapting cultural references to align with contemporary values. This ongoing discourse demonstrates the challenges contemporary society faces as it seeks to balance the lessons of history with the necessity for progress.