If you consider that there are still native tribes on our planet who live in isolation somewhere in the jungle or on a remote island, this episode seems quite realistic. And just as the countries in which these tribes live usually establish reserves and protection zones so that they can maintain their way of life undisturbed, this species is also protected from the outside world - with an energy barrier.
And just as Seven struggles with the question of whether these native people would be helped more if they had access to progress, knowledge and the amenities of modern civilization, as a viewer you also ask yourself this question. Is it morally justifiable to deny technology, access to modern medicine and education to a tribe that lives deep in the jungle away from our societies? But just as Chakotay raises the question of who ultimately decides which way of life is better, you also have to ask yourself the same question about these tribes on our planet. After all, our ancestors led such simple lives in harmony with nature for thousands of years, while our modern, digital life has existed for less than a hundred years. Maybe living in the jungle with a bow and arrow is ultimately the more sustainable model in the long term.
This time the composition of the away team at least makes sense for the story. Chakotay once again represents his view as a descendant of the Native Americans and is concerned that the culture and way of life of this tribe could be contaminated by external influences and that they would therefore lose their original life. Seven, on the other hand, is focused on logic, efficiency and technology and believes that the potential of this community is not being fully realized and that this tribe could achieve much more if only they had access to education and technology. However, in the end, Seven changes her mind and even becomes concerned that her actions could lead to the energy barrier being deactivated one day - and who knows what will then happen to the life and habitat of this species. Perhaps she has once again contributed to a species and its culture being assimilated... although not by the Borg.
And just as Seven struggles with the question of whether these native people would be helped more if they had access to progress, knowledge and the amenities of modern civilization, as a viewer you also ask yourself this question. Is it morally justifiable to deny technology, access to modern medicine and education to a tribe that lives deep in the jungle away from our societies? But just as Chakotay raises the question of who ultimately decides which way of life is better, you also have to ask yourself the same question about these tribes on our planet. After all, our ancestors led such simple lives in harmony with nature for thousands of years, while our modern, digital life has existed for less than a hundred years. Maybe living in the jungle with a bow and arrow is ultimately the more sustainable model in the long term.
This time the composition of the away team at least makes sense for the story. Chakotay once again represents his view as a descendant of the Native Americans and is concerned that the culture and way of life of this tribe could be contaminated by external influences and that they would therefore lose their original life. Seven, on the other hand, is focused on logic, efficiency and technology and believes that the potential of this community is not being fully realized and that this tribe could achieve much more if only they had access to education and technology. However, in the end, Seven changes her mind and even becomes concerned that her actions could lead to the energy barrier being deactivated one day - and who knows what will then happen to the life and habitat of this species. Perhaps she has once again contributed to a species and its culture being assimilated... although not by the Borg.