Star trek DS9 what races & cultures....?

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dog on sofa

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It seems like so many of the species on Deep Space 9 carry stereotypes or are loosely based on races, cultures, subcultures in real life.
Which ones have you noticed or think are interesting?
 
I always had a soft spot for the Cardassians. Of course, you can definitely tell that their style of military-based leadership, "guilty until proven innocent" judicial system, and inclinations to suspect their own citizens carries gestapo-esque overtones. Plus, it's classic tyrant syndrome. Likewise, their drive to subjugate the Bajorans definitely contains post-colonialist themes of conqueror over conquered and civilized over primitive. But, overall, I thought some of the Cardassian characters, such as Garak, were written very well with complex back stories, and you could certainly sympathize with his plight. His character, I think, helped expose some of the flaws the Cardassian social system had erected since he was a spy yet betrayed by his own father, the director of the Obsidian Order (if my memory serves me correctly). It really gets one thinking on how effective a system based on suspicion really works as, over time, you'll begin to suspect everyone! Overall, I think it's only natural for writers to bring in cultural and social stereotypes when writing alien characters; beside, what better way to provide a good mirror through which we can look at ourselves.

(I have to give you kudos for posting a smart question on here - so many of these questions are such wastes of time!)

Cheers!! :)
 
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