Last weekend Star Trek Beyond opened and, of course, I went to see it. I really enjoyed it and it finally feels like the spirit of the series has returned. But, it also got me thinking. Gene Roddenberry held high hopes for humanity. In his 23rd century, mankind has eliminated poverty, starvation and disease. We have eliminated racism, sexism, discrimination based on religion and/or sexual orientation.

There are some who take issue with the franchise for those very reasons, but ultimately, I’d like to believe that most of us would love for society to evolve to that point. But, I also cannot help but believe that it will take past the 23rd century for mankind to get there, considering its current state. American culture is in a state of flux and in some ways we are beginning to emulate the world Roddenberry created 50 years ago. But, in the midst of all of this change, there is the reaction to it. The reaction is what keeps me grounded.

But the thing that we all have to realize is that Gene’s dream, much like Dr King’s, Ghandi’s, and hosts of other visionaries out there, can be our dream, too. It is on each of us to be the change agent for what we want to see in this world. It is far from easy, but the reward is a world that our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and all of those behind us can live, grow and thrive in.