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Sci Fi Independence Day
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"Perhaps it's fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom... Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution... but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: "We will not go quietly into the night!" We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!" (President Thomas Whitmore)
On July 4th (actually, August 2nd), 1776 we, as a nation, adopted the Declaration Of Independence, thereby freeing us from The Kingdom Of Great Britain. It is a Federal holiday. It is a day marked by fireworks, primary colors and parades. As humans, we know what it means to be free from tyranny and allowed to express ourselves without the threat of persecution.
The same goes for other species, from other planets, in other universes. Because in science fiction, the same rules apply. Many alien species have celebrated their independence, and if you are a true sci fi geek, you can commemorate your nations independence in tandem with your alien brethren.
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How to observe Independence Day in the Star Wars Universe: Test your skills as a Jedi by obtaining some fireworks.
"Officer, you will let me into Boston with this huge box of firecrackers."
Star Wars fans can celebrate Jedi Independence by wearing a lightsaber in your belt loop. The Jedi order were peacekeepers and observers of the force. It wasn't until the Sith returned that the Jedi found themselves in a battle against their ancient enemies. The Clone Wars oppressed the Jedi moreso by making them enemies of the state. Most Jedi were wiped out, while the remaining few were forced to live in obscurity. It wasn't until the young Luke Skywalker discovered his destiny, thereby enabling Darth Vader to return to his Skywalker roots and defeat Emperor Palpatine, that the Jedi were free to return to their noble place in the universe.
How to observe Independence Day in the Star Trek Universe: Add a cloaking device to your car and park anywhere you want, without being seen. Especially if you have to run out for more hotdogs, Mike's hard lemonade or sparklers.
"This space is reserved...for invisible vehicles utilizing Klingon Technology only!"
Star Trek fans can celebrate Independence day by saluting the Federation with a glass of Romulan Ale. It seems, either the Romulans or Klingons were consistently oppressed in the Star Trek Universe. Romulans were always trying to disrupt an alliance between the Klingons and the Federation. So raise a glass and celebrate your Klingon brethren and their struggle to be accepted for the warmongering, bigheaded, neanderthalis-like red-headed stepchildren of the Universe they were born to be.
How to observe Independence Day in the Battlestar Galactica Universe: Sport some nice spectacles (especially when making the hard decisions...like Airlocking people and picking on Gauis Baltar), Shave, Drink till you can't stand anymore, and then strike a superior officer. Everytime someone asks you to flip the burgers so they don't burn, respond with, "By your command."
If something goes wrong (like some little kid peeing in the pool), turn to the nearest angry parent and declare, " Don't blame me, I voted for Roslin!"
Battlestar Galactica fans can celebrate Independence Day in the BSG universe by getting rid of all technology in your house...before it turns on you! Adama refused any kind of tech that would allow Cylon intervention on his ship, and with just cause. Billions of humans, of the 12 Colonies of Kobol were annihilated by the Cylon race. The remaining humans were forced into hiding, jumping from one part of the galaxy to the next, just to stay alive. In the end, enemies became lovers and humanity (and Cylon), found a habitable world to begin anew.
For decades, Science Fiction has played a major part in expressing a global view of oppression. World War II, Vietnam and 9/11 were just a few of the moments in our history in which many of us were able to come to terms with the loss that comes with war, by creating more dynamic stories of a Sci fi nature. In science fiction, alien hordes can erase us, robot overlords can enslave us, and vampire vixens from Zeta Reticuli can drain us...but we always seem to survive.
Science Fiction is a coping mechanism. But above all, it gives us hope. We celebrate our indepence every time we express ourselves and declare ourselves a free people, in a free nation. So celebrate your independence however you like, and don't forget to celebrate the lives of those individuals who made it all possible.
Happy Independence day nerds!
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