The Traitor :: Star Trek Essays Papers

The Traitor Despite the episode's title, The Defector is a story about a traitor. I can not agree that Admiral Jarok is any way but parenthetically defecting to the Federation -- he demonstrates love for his country and his people on several occasions. Instead I feel that he is a reluctant traitor motivated by personal rather than political reasons. The difference between the terms is subtle, but important: the term 'defector' should not imply traitorous crime, nor should the term 'traitor' imply defection. The term 'defector' is used to describe a person who has joined another country for ideological reasons. Defection is a political term and is only used to describe knowing and voluntary relocation due to ideological motivations. Someone's ideology is their overall view of or attitude toward life: their outlook, credo, or philosophy. (Nisus Dictionary.) A group of Zendik socialists, for example, defect from the United States when they move to Canada in protest against the market economy. A traitor, on the other hand, actively and knowingly participates in a decision or event that will harm his or her country. There are two important differences between these terms. First, the definition of traitor is non-specific when it comes to motivation. A traitor might betray his country for money, for love, for fame, or, certainly but not necessarily, for ideological reasons. Second, a defector is explicitly choosing to change geographical location in harmony with his ideals. The definition of a traitor does not include any reference to location, although a traitor may be exiled or he may -- additionally -- defect. (Kidder.) Since a defector is motivated by his ideology -- that is, an intellectual apprehension of his concepts of Right and Wrong -- his rejection of his country is both fundamental (starting at the most basic levels) and (therefore) complete. This understanding of the term can not include Admiral Jarok. Throughout the episode Jarok expresses love for his country in poignant ways. He shares reminiscent thoughts about Romulan Ale and the Romulan landscape with Data. More importantly he expresses his approval for at least one of the warlike maneuvers of his government. When he is brought into sickbay at the beginning of the episode Dr. Crusher makes obscure references to a previous medical situation following a Romulan military conflict. Obviously angry, Jarok interrupts her to place the blame on the Klingons, a Federation ally. (The Defector.) If Jarok were truly planning to defect it seems reasonable that he would be bitter, cynical, and disapproving of his country, not wistfully longing for it or defending it.