You know, Robin Williams was the reason that I started doing stand-up comedy? My personal hero. Knowing that he did this for Neelix, especially when he was getting a lot of hate? Robin is a saint. Also just a small thing because I wanted to honor the man…

Reason #72151.

7-21-51.

July 21st, 1951.

Robin Williams birthdate.

Carry on 💙

  • Stamets@startrek.websiteOP
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    9 months ago

    Yeah when I was younger he was a bit cringy but now after realizing everything he's gone through and keeps going through? There was no one better suited to be ships Morale Officer.

    • Hyperreality@kbin.social
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      9 months ago

      The problem, I think, is that people think Neelix is this vapid obnoxiously happy character.

      Once you're a bit older or if you've been through shit, you realise he's suffering from severe trauma and mental illness, and that the whole jovial extroversion thing is often a coping mechanism. He's been through a lot, so he doesn't want others to be sad.

      Far more complex than you initially think.

      As someone with relatives who survived the holocaust, I recognise the type.

      • Stamets@startrek.websiteOP
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        9 months ago

        Exactly. I thought he was exactly that too for a long time until started seeing those cracks under the facade. He's a really deep and, like you say, complex character. I love him. Honestly relate to him a little bit. Didn't go through something as monumentally horrifying as watching my planet burn but I adopted the same defense mechanism. I feel for the dude.