Trekkers Against Bullying

A few weeks back a new Facebook page caught my eye – Trekkers Against Bullying. As a Star Trek fan and as someone who has been on both sides of bullying, I was really intrigued. The page is growing in popularity and even released an interview / PSA with the Great Bird of the Galaxy’s son, Rod Roddenberry. I wanted to know a little bit more about this page so I got in touch with the administrator and asked if the creator of Trekkers Against Bullying (Fred Monfeli) would submit to a brief interview. And, well, here it is:

  

1) What inspired Trekkers Against Bullying?
The answer is probably just as dramatic as the cause. My son has been dealing with bullies in school, something that he and I have in common unfortunately. In one such circumstance I just happened to be working of some personal Star Trek projects when he came to talk to me about it. While trying to boost his spirits and explain some of the basics to bullying I used Star Trek as a reference. From there it was an easy jump to the idea. It was with the poking and prodding of individuals who said I needed to actually do something with it and not just leave it as an idea that gave the REAL birth of TAB’s

2) What do you hope this page will accomplish?
The page is supposed to do a couple things. I wanted it to be a resource for parents who are looking for help with dealing with it, and for kids who need to know there is hope and there are options other than the terrible options some kids end up taking out of desperation and fear. More importantly it is to give a voice for those than can’t, won't or are too scared and give them a light to follow.

3) Do you think Sci-fi fans, in particular Star Trek fans, are often targeted for bullying? 
Yes! As a group Sci-Fi fans and more specifically Star Trek fans are portrayed in a comical light. Fan Boys for instance give a representation of what Star Trek fans are viewed like. The bad thing is, I know too many people who are not fans who really do see us in that light. So aside from the regular issues of being viewed as nerds who are by proxy considered weak we are a target, and the media doesn't always help.

4) Do you have any direct experience with bullying, either as bully or victim?

I was a victim of bullying, but not a victim. What I mean by that is I have and still do occasionally get teased or made fun of, but I tried to make sure to stand up and be proud of myself and who I am. Now to be honest that was not always the case but it was a hard lesson learned. There were some low points. 
 

5) What examples of Bullying do you see in the Star Trek universe?

Too numerous to pin point one great example. Q and the Borg are the first things to come to mind when I think of bullies in Star Trek, that and Klingons.

Final thoughts...

I have been a Star Trek fan for as long as I can remember. But besides that I have been bullied. My children have been bullied. This issue, this cause may be close to home for me, a little personal if you wish. However, I know I am not the only one and if my one voice becomes echoes through thousands of voices saying ENOUGH! NO MORE BULLIES! And just one child found hope, it would be worth it. I wouldn't stop with just one, but it would be worth it.

These images were created by JP Coree 

who also created and manages the Facebook page for 

Trekkers Against Bullying

To find out more about Trekkers Against Bullying go to:

Trekkers Against Bullying - Facebook  

Trekkers Against Bullying - Website