The Prime Directive

In my previous post I acknowledged that pretty much everything I’ve ever read about historic Indians amounts to little more than lies. Knowing this, you might wonder how it is I felt qualified to write a book about historic Indians when I just admitted I can’t possibly know the truth about historic Indians. Well, at times like these, I always think back to what dear old dad used to say. Dad always said, “The most important thing to keep in mind when dealing with alien cultures is the Prime Directive.”

You remember my dad from an earlier post—J.T. Kirk, captain of the USS Enterprise. And I assume you remember the Prime Directive. If not, here it is: Advanced civilizations are prohibited from interfering with the natural trajectory of more primitive civilizations. This doctrine acknowledges the awesome responsibility that falls upon more advanced civilizations, & I’m sure most 21st century humans embrace the Prime Directive as the most sacred moral standard of our time.

If only it were true. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Because the Prime Directive is, of course, fiction, another one of those little lies we tell ourselves. This particular lie was born in the mind of an incredibly creative man after looking back on centuries of human history in which “more advanced” civilizations pretty much ate up & excreted out every “primitive” society they came across. Given all that mindless destruction, it’s no wonder modern culture has eagerly embraced this doctrine—a fictional doctrine, but a doctrine nevertheless—because it envisions a future in which such actions would be considered morally reprehensible.

But, um, that brings us to a rather sticky problem. Sure, we all know the Prime Directive is nothing but a sweet lie to soothe the guilt-ridden soul, but the real problem with it is not that it’s a complete fiction–the real problem is that it’s based on outrageous & insidious racism.

Alright, fine! I admit it! My dad was a terrible racist! But before I publicly expose my revered father in this awful light, I’d better take a break & try to remember exactly what any of this has to do with The Spirit Keeper. I’ll be right back . . .