Last week, I read C.A.’s column about humanity looking for aliens yet treating other humans like they don’t belong here, and it got me thinking.

We are so enamored with the possibility of life outside of Earth but lack appreciation for our own planet, and what we as humans are doing to it… and to each other. I understand the fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial existence and find it hard to believe we are the only beings in this vast galaxy. Reading this took me back when I too watched Star Trek with my father, thinking back to the roles of the Black characters and the lack of controversy surrounding them. I was transformed into that world — a place where there were trials to overcome, but racism was not one of them. They worked together to overcome whatever obstacles came their way. Sadly, life here on Earth is not like that.

Unfortunately, even in a galaxy far far away, the new Star Wars actress’ moment of stardom was over shadowed by racist trolls on Twitter. There have been other cast members in the past who reportedly experienced similar hate. Yet, in my opinion, this type of abuse is more likely when it’s directed towards a woman, especially coming from people hiding behind a computer screen. I couldn’t help but wonder had she been a man, would her casting in that role have been as scrutinized? And by her speaking up and bringing attention to the issue, does it make her seem weak? Is the franchise to be blamed for there even being racist trolls in the first place?

There are a lot of variables and questions to be answered in her case. I hope the solutions to what divides us are answered before the answers on weather are not we alone in the universe.