Kirk and Uhura's kiss

Plato's Stepchildren kiss

Kirk and Uhura's kiss is a significant moment in television history, occurring in the Star Trek episode titled "Plato's Stepchildren," which aired on November 22, 1968. This event is often cited as the first interracial kiss on U.S. television, although there are earlier instances of interracial kisses in television history. However, the kiss between Captain James T. Kirk, played by William Shatner, and Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, played by Nichelle Nichols, stands out due to its context and the widespread viewership of the show.

Background

"Plato's Stepchildren" is the tenth episode of the third season of the original Star Trek series. The plot revolves around the crew of the USS Enterprise being forced by telekinetic aliens to perform various acts against their will. The kiss occurs as a result of these aliens' manipulation, making it non-consensual within the story's context. Despite this, the moment has been celebrated for breaking racial barriers on television.

Production and Reception

The episode's production was marked by concerns about the reaction of Southern television stations and viewers, given the racial tensions in the United States during the 1960s. There was fear that showing an interracial kiss would lead to backlash and possibly cause the episode to be boycotted or censored in parts of the country. Nichelle Nichols recounted in interviews that NBC prepared to film two versions of the scene, one with and one without the kiss. However, Shatner and Nichols deliberately flubbed every take without the kiss, leaving the producers with no choice but to use the take with the kiss.

The reception of the kiss was largely positive, with minimal negative feedback from viewers. It has since been celebrated as a milestone in the representation of African Americans in media and as a step forward in the portrayal of interracial relationships on television.

Legacy

The kiss between Kirk and Uhura has been extensively analyzed and discussed in the context of U.S. civil rights and media representation. It is considered a landmark moment in television history, demonstrating Star Trek's progressive values and its commitment to challenging social norms. The series creator, Gene Roddenberry, was known for using the show as a platform to address social issues and promote a vision of a future where humanity has overcome its prejudices and divisions.

The moment has been referenced and parodied in various media and remains a significant point of discussion in studies on race, media, and popular culture. It exemplifies how television can influence societal attitudes and contribute to social change.

See Also

• Star Trek: The Original Series
• Interracial relationship in the United States
• Representation (arts)
• Civil Rights Movement