Romulans & Vulcans: A Reflection of Humanity
The rivalry between the Romulans and the Vulcans is one of the most basic narratives that every Star Trek connoisseur is familiar with.
For those who are unfamiliar with the erratic relationship between the Romulans and the Vulcans, it is vital to know that both species are descendants of a common ancestor.
Contrary to their stoic nature, the Vulcans used to be a violent species that prioritised their emotions over logic. This in turn caused many wars to break out in their homeworld, that is until Surak, a philosopher led his people onto a path of logic.
Those who did not agree with Surak’s philosophy left the planet. They found their home on the planets of Romulus and Remus and this group eventually became the Romulans.
For a long time after the split, the Romulans remained out of sight. When they finally came out of the shadows so did a wave of conflict. This is how the Romulan Wars came about which eventually led to the founding of the United Federation of Planets. The Federation was a joint effort from the Humans, Vulcans, Andorians and Tellarites.
Despite their history, the Vulcans were still open to a peaceful unification between the two races. After multiple efforts, Ambassador Spock was able to reunite them.
The history between the Vulcans and the Romulans reflect on us humans. Our different perspectives have split us into many different social divisions. These come in the form of race, religion, castes, etc.
These divisions often come with their own values and beliefs which others’ may not agree with. Additionally, this has often left us in the face of war and conflicts.
In the name of superiority we have resulted in disregarding those who stand to be different from us. Whilst there are some who strive to attain peace, there are also those who wish to reign and be dominant through the use of violence.
What makes us indifferent to the Vulcans and Romulans?
The war between the Romulans and the Vulcans are no different from the many wars we humans have inflicted upon ourselves for centuries. We descended from a common ancestor but political and social priorities have split us into many factions.
Humans have self-sabotage themselves for a long time because we can’t seem to put the needs of others before our own. Our need to always be right and at the top of the hierarchy has only caused us to shed blood among ourselves. The split between perspectives and the persistence to never compromise has only made us question what it means to be humans and whether we have reflected that definition.
The unification of the Romulans and the Vulcans happened to be a win for many. How did two different races of the same species finally unite after centuries of war? Trust.
Trust is a fickle thing. But we all need to take a leap with it. And if we fail, we try again. We repeat this until we succeed.
Currently, trust is a lacking factor among us humans mainly because it has been broken many times. Compromise is an important factor in any relationship which we must uphold.
There are many challenges that threaten us humans which we could overcome. But in order to do so, we need to stop being a threat to ourselves first. With trust comes compromise and after that, peace.
As the Vulcans say, live long and prosper.
By: Anyaa Shrii Kumar
