To what Extent is the Star Trek Consumer Culture a Form of Contemporary Religion?

To what extent is the Star Trek consumer culture a form of contemporary religion? Discuss
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Contents Introduction. 3 Background. 3 Critical Analysis. 4 Lifestyle Segmentation. 4 Birth of Social Classes. 4 Religion and Culture. 4 The Star Trek Show.. 5 Star Trek’s Impact on Culture and Society. 5 Birth of the Trekkies’ Subculture. 6 Conclusion. 8 References. 10
To what extent is the Star Trek consumer culture a form of contemporary religion?
Discuss
Introduction
Society has always been governed by beliefs regarding people’s existence and their interactions. Each community practiced spirituality in which they believed in a supreme being as the determining figure of their existence. While religion has evolved, societies have also evolved in choosing what to believe (Coyne, 2012). This statement is espoused in the fandom that has grown up around the Star Trek movies and television series. The entertainment industry has created a consumer culture that can only be equated to the contemporary religion. The adherents of the Star Trek consumer culture have unique norms and beliefs that set them apart from the rest of the population.
Background
Films, movies, and other literary forms have served as entertainment and inspiratory pieces by presenting narratives in visual forms. Consumer culture has continued to grow in its influence and has transformed into a dominant force in several areas of the contemporary society. As this discussion seeks to show, consumer culture, akin to popular culture, draws upon religious themes. This entertainment sector plays an essential role in advancing this consumer culture. Consequently, films, such as the Star Trek, have promoted a consumer culture that can be compared to religion (Jindra 1994). The resultant consumer culture is associated with a form of fetishism, in which society members are obsessed with living a certain lifestyle dictated by the films. Like in the religious context, people are willing to go to any extent to satisfy their desires in a manner that regarded as worshiping a form of a lifestyle.
Critical Analysis
Lifestyle Segmentation
Lifestyle is the most holistic segmentation approach based on the fact that it attempts to consider almost anything to help marketers in identifying their target markets. The traditional lifestyle analysis markets products based on various variables that range from social sciences to demographic descriptors, such as gender, race, and age. The underlying premise that guides this categorization is that it perceives consumers as being similar in terms of attitudes, opinions, motivation, and access to resources, interests, and opinions (Ahuvia, Carroll & Yang, 2006). Consequently, lifestyles are chosen depending on how people choose spend their time and money. There are those who use their time and money to generate more money and there are those who use their time and money to have fun.
Birth of Social Classes
This classification resulted into three different classes of people. There are those who struggle to sustain themselves on their daily living. This group has a set of rules and guidelines that govern how they i...