Yes, Vulcans are bigots.

When it comes to Vulcans in the “Star Trek” universe, they are often depicted as models of logic and reason, an embodiment of what humanity could aspire to be if emotions were kept in check. However, a deeper look into their culture and interactions reveals a picture that should be obvious by now. Under their mask of logic and “intellectual superiority” lies a subtle but pervasive form of bigotry. This is particularly evident in their attitudes towards other species and even within their own ranks.

The Vulcans’ belief in their own superiority is rooted in their adherence to logic. This belief often manifests in condescending attitudes towards other species, especially humans. While Vulcans may not display overt racism or xenophobia, their interactions frequently reveal a sense of disdain for those who do not adhere to their strict principles of logic and emotional suppression.

Take, for example, their interactions with Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise. Spock, who embodies the Vulcan ideal, often finds himself at odds with his human crewmates due to his perceived superiority. While Spock himself evolves to appreciate human emotions and their value, many Vulcans do not.

The bigotry within Vulcan society is perhaps even more troubling. Vulcans are not immune to the prejudices that plague many other cultures. This is starkly illustrated in “Star Trek: Discovery,” particularly in Season 1, Episode 6 (“Lethe”). In this episode, Sarek, a prominent Vulcan diplomat, faces a harrowing decision that highlights the deep-seated biases within Vulcan society.

In “Lethe,” Sarek is given an impossible choice by the director of the Vulcan Expeditionary Group: he must choose between his two children, Michael Burnham and Spock, regarding which one will be allowed to join the prestigious Vulcan Expeditionary Group. The director’s reasoning is rooted in the fact that it cannot accommodate both a full human (Michael) and a half-human (Spock) simultaneously. This ultimatum forces Sarek into a position where he must weigh his loyalty to his human ward, Michael, against his biological son, Spock.

This situation is a clear example of institutional bigotry within Vulcan society. The director’s decision is not based on the abilities or potential of the candidates but rather on their species and heritage. It underscores a rigid, exclusionary attitude that contradicts the Vulcans’ professed commitment to logic and fairness. The mere fact that such a choice is imposed reveals an underlying prejudice against those who are not fully Vulcan.

Sarek’s choice and the resulting fallout are deeply telling. Despite his attempts to embrace the ideals of IDIC (Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations), Sarek’s decision to favor Spock over Michael is not only a personal tragedy but also a reflection of the societal pressures that even a high-ranking Vulcan must succumb to.

Sarek’s struggle is further compounded by his own internal conflicts. He genuinely loves both Michael and Spock and sees great potential in both. However, the pressure to conform to Vulcan societal norms and the fear of further ostracization led him to make a choice that haunts him.

The example from “Discovery” is not an isolated incident but rather a reflection of a broader pattern within Vulcan culture. Throughout the “Star Trek” franchise, there are numerous instances where Vulcans exhibit condescending or dismissive attitudes towards other species. Their reluctance to fully embrace other cultures and their rigid adherence to their own way of life often lead to conflicts and misunderstandings.

This behavior is not always overt but can be seen in subtle interactions and decisions. For instance, Vulcans’ initial reluctance to form close alliances with humans, their skepticism towards emotional species, and their often patronizing demeanor all point towards an ingrained belief in their own superiority.

Vulcans “embrace” IDIC, celebrating diversity and the countless forms of life and thought in the universe. Yet, their actions frequently betray a discomfort with true diversity, especially when it challenges their own norms and values.

This contradiction is a powerful tool in “Star Trek,” forcing both the characters and the audience to confront the difficulty of living up to one’s ideals. Even the most seemingly enlightened societies can harbor deep-seated biases.