A consumer anthropologist believes that "Star Trek Nemesis," opening in theaters this Friday, should resonate with American audiences because it comes at a time when war is in the air and the public is clamoring for moral reassurance.

"Star Trek is an ideal bellwether of our times," said Robert Kozinets, an assistant professor of marketing at Northwestern University who has been studying Star Trek consumer behavior since 1995, according to an article posted today on PR Newswire. "Right now, it is expressing American society's hunger for a sense of direction, of right and wrong, good and evil. Star Trek has always been good at telling us that we can use powerful technology to do good, to prevail over evil by waging war."

It is for this reason that Kozinets believes that domestic audiences will connect with "Nemesis." "The movie, one of the most dark and violent in the series, comes at a time when the American public is seeking the reassurance that comes with clear moral guidance, and also anticipates the outbreak of a war based on moral differences," the article states. "Just as Star Trek's code of non-interference has often been thrown aside by two of its characters, Captains Kirk and Picard, Americans are currently dealing with a threatening new world in which tolerance must be tempered by pre-emptive action."

"Star Trek actually portrays a very violent, warlike future, but, rooted in the 'flower power' sixties, it is also ultimately utopian and optimistic. It tells us that we have to fight for our utopia," Kozinets said.

Do you believe "Star Trek Nemesis" is a bellwether of the times? Discuss it at the Star Trek message boards!