I remember reading a few weeks ago about how some of the stars and creators of Battlestar Galactica were going to be part of a panel discussion on human rights held at the United Nations, but I (stupidly) never followed up on the story. I mean, what a bizarre conflation of reality and pop culture! This isn't like your Clooneys or Jolies whose political involvement is disconnected from the characters they play. This was different: these people were asked to come to the UN as representatives of a fictional universe deemed relevant to our current political situation. Science fiction has always been an ambitious genre, relatively free to make sweeping social and political criticisms by virtue of their unrealistic settings. So, to acknowledge its relevance seems somehow both overdue and totally ridiculous.

Well, on March 17th, the United Nations became the Quorum of Twelve. Edward James Olmos smartly took advantage of the opportunity and went all Adama on their asses. When the subject of race came up, Olmos launched into a passionate speech:

There's no such thing [as race]. As if there was a Latino race, an Asian race, an indigenous race, there never has been a Latino race and there never will be! There's only one race and that's the human race. ... Over 600 years ago, the 'Caucasian race' decided to use it as a cultural determiner to kill another culture. ... I spent 37 years of my adult life trying to get this word out and now I am well-prepared. There is but one race! So say we all! (LA Times).

If only he'd been wearing his admiral's uniform! It gets even crazier and more amazing though. When the crowd in the United Nations heard the series' signature expression of unity echoing throughout the chamber, they responded and cried out in unison, So say we all! Oh. My. Gods! It gives me both chills and giggles! According to Entertainment Weekly, at this point Mary McDonnell leaned over and gently wiped a tear from Olmos' cheek. This really happened!

Read an excellent account of BSG at the UN here.