Is Kathryn Janeway a good representation of a Federation human?
Is Kathryn Janeway a good representation of a Federation human?
Many discussions were held about Janeway, and about her character. She is one of the most controversial and spoken about characters in Star Trek. But most discussion I saw was about whether she is a good person, a good captain or if she was written well. And, while this overlap somewhat, I want to ask you another thing: is she a good representation of 24th Federation human? And all 3 parts of it are important here.
Janeway, like most humans of the Federation 24th century, is a pure scientist. She doesn't seem to believe in supernatural powers, or at least would not unless every other option is exhausted. This is in contrast to Bajoran Kira Nerys or (it is canon, but not shown much) Ocampa Kes. But she does have an ethical code, even if she is willing to bend or even break it if the situation calls for it.
Episode Tuvok is spoken about many times. But I have a feeling the events affected Janeway a lot and made her less willing to do such things again. She did not kill the developing drone in “Drone”, despite it being a possible risk to her ship. And she directly told Seven in “Prey”: “It is wrong to sacrifice another being to save our own lives.”. I think this may be a sign of Tuvix’s situation weighing heavy on her. This does make her human. A Vulcan would probably just say it was a logical decision and |”the needs of the many outweigh the needs of one”. But Janeway contradicted it,and I think it is because she has a conscience. This is a very human thing to do.
She also speaks about compassion to Seven in that episode and, while this may be something she learned from Kes, it is still a very human thing to do.
These are just a few examples, but what do you think? Do you think Janeway is a good representative of 24th century Federation humans?