I think social anxiety is one of the symptoms of my Asperger's Syndrome, because what Barclay just described sounds a lot like what I do in any kind of social gathering. If someone does try to talk to me though, I can only manage a few words before I start to mumble and shiver like crazy
i know that in this episode they said barclay was "just shy", but does he actually have social phobia? it makes more sense if he does. and i agree that dwight schultz did an amazing job playing this character. i love this episode because i know exactly how he feels. i don't know for sure if i have social phobia, but i think i have it.
I believe that Mr. Barclay's character, sort of represents us, the audience. That is, he is full of foibles and faults, and far less than "perfect" as the other major characters aboard the Enterprise. In a way, he's as unknowing and awkward in a way that many of us in the audience can relate to. Perhaps this is why we love Mr. Barclay so much--because he is us. But he is us in such an entertaining way!
@tybo09 Hahahaha yeah that was Barclay's problem, TNG needed BA Baracus to get his spirits up! (BA would've been a MUCH better ship's counselor than Deanna).
I liked how the writers developed Barclay's character in Voyager, where he becomes a true hero.
I was diagnosed as something or other early on, ..probly 12 or so. Nobody else seemed to care about it in my family so I put it in the dead things box.
I've only recently discovered that, chemical imbalance or not, I was simply a sane child responding in horror to to a ..well, to a horrific world.
You guys who die in battle against tyranny are the greatest humans currently among us.
I think everybody can relate to this character, because everybody must have felt excluded or rejected somehow at least once in his life. Dwight's acting is, as usual, brilliant.
I have Asperger's Syndrome and I've never found a way of summing up the challenges I face in the way that Barclay does in that clip. Though for me it's not shyness, it just looks like it from the outside because I find it difficult to communicate socially, identify facial expressions, sarcasm, etc. There are some people out there who, for neurological reasons, simply cannot read socially signals quickly and fluently! It's a kind of language that all the 'confident' people always take for granted
Barclay was certainly the most unique character created for STNG. One of the best episodes of the series, along with "The Nth Degree". Face it-- while Picard, Wesley, Riker, et al are good characters for a series like STNG, many of us would be very intmidated by them. The STNG universe is populated by so many technical wunderkinds, that many viewers would feel out of place in it. So many of us are shy and sensitive and feel inadequate, which is why so many resonated with the character.
This character is so well done. I can totally relate. Especially being in a technical field. No matter how smart you are... if you can't communicate and articulate your thoughts to others... with confidence... people will assume you're incompetent.
To finish what I said 6 months ago: Gene Roddenberry's vision for humanity in the Star Trek universe was that man would accomplish great things in spite of our own shortcomings and flaws (and the flaws of others). No one personifies Gene's vision better than Lt. Barclay. In spite of his problems Barclay accomplished truly wondrous feats of brilliance and courage.
I have social anxiety and Barcley is a character I really can relate to. Dwight Schultz's performance in this role is seriously some of the best acting I've ever seen.
I agree (kinda why I posted it...). I always thought that either Mr. Schultz or whoever wrote this episode/character must have known what it's like, from having dealt with social anxiety at some point in their lives. No other way it could be so convincingly real.
His speech almost made me cry..its EXCACTLY how I feel...for years, until recently, I thought I was just a freak..I wish everyone in the world knew about Social Anxiety Disorder. That they would understand and wouldn't think we were just shy...that they wouldn't ask me why I'm sitting alone...like he said...just trying to look comfortable..
For years, I never knew anyone else out there felt how I did. Its such a relief to know that other people have the same problems..
How does an actor play someone who is quite literally smarter and more imaginative than almost anyone around him and yet doesn't know how to deal with those people. - Dwight Schultz pulled this off and made it look easy. Few actors could accomplish this.
One thing I loved about Barclay was te fact he was prove that not everything or everyone is perfect in the future star trek world.There are still problems that people have that need to be worked out or delt with.And I loved how they brought him over onto Voyager and continued the character.
True dat. I felt like i connected with barkley a lot watching him. He also has more reasonable fears about technology in the future then any of the "average" ppl in startrek. Ask any of the actors if they would want to really be "beamed up"!
I'd like to know how he became an officer in the first place!
2490debrick 1 month ago
I think social anxiety is one of the symptoms of my Asperger's Syndrome, because what Barclay just described sounds a lot like what I do in any kind of social gathering. If someone does try to talk to me though, I can only manage a few words before I start to mumble and shiver like crazy
armadafanforever 1 month ago
Oh Barclay, can I hug you now?
EmmaJaneMurdock 2 months ago 2
i know that in this episode they said barclay was "just shy", but does he actually have social phobia? it makes more sense if he does. and i agree that dwight schultz did an amazing job playing this character. i love this episode because i know exactly how he feels. i don't know for sure if i have social phobia, but i think i have it.
justine1947 4 months ago
I believe that Mr. Barclay's character, sort of represents us, the audience. That is, he is full of foibles and faults, and far less than "perfect" as the other major characters aboard the Enterprise. In a way, he's as unknowing and awkward in a way that many of us in the audience can relate to. Perhaps this is why we love Mr. Barclay so much--because he is us. But he is us in such an entertaining way!
Live long and prosper.
dustymiller65 5 months ago
Reg is right when he tells LaForge "you couldn't know", most people have no idea how much suffering people with shy personalities go through.
btwujustlostTHEGAME 6 months ago
I wanted Geordi to say "I ain't gettin' on no Enterprise with that crazy foo!"
tybo09 7 months ago
@tybo09 Hahahaha yeah that was Barclay's problem, TNG needed BA Baracus to get his spirits up! (BA would've been a MUCH better ship's counselor than Deanna).
I liked how the writers developed Barclay's character in Voyager, where he becomes a true hero.
wijayapala 7 months ago
@wijayapala I PITY DA FOOL THINKS I SHOULDA BEEN MARINA SIRTIS!
tybo09 7 months ago
This character touches my heart.
plumgummistar 7 months ago
the fighting paradox ANYONE?! :)
this isn't what i was looking for,
but their is an audio series revolving around overcoming social anxiety.
They talk about an episode of star trek so yeah!
thesir3nsong 8 months ago
I was so happy when Barclay made it onto Voyager. If any character from TNG deserved continuation it was him. (And Troi)
AeronPeryton 10 months ago
"Just shy. Sounds like nothing serious, doesn't it." made my hairs stand on end... so true and what fantastic acting from Dwight!!
(Shy men are better anyway!!)
kazzibee00 11 months ago 2
@kazzibee00 yes, they are irresistible :) <3
msinvincible2000 5 months ago
I hate that phrase. "You're just shy." And you're only saying that because you have no idea what you're talking about.
Charmolution 11 months ago
I was diagnosed as something or other early on, ..probly 12 or so. Nobody else seemed to care about it in my family so I put it in the dead things box.
I've only recently discovered that, chemical imbalance or not, I was simply a sane child responding in horror to to a ..well, to a horrific world.
You guys who die in battle against tyranny are the greatest humans currently among us.
The marxist swine are your polar opposite.
orphand11 1 year ago
Dwight's just great. Always is. XD
KaizokuShojo 1 year ago
I think everybody can relate to this character, because everybody must have felt excluded or rejected somehow at least once in his life. Dwight's acting is, as usual, brilliant.
Noutchka 1 year ago
I have Asperger's Syndrome and I've never found a way of summing up the challenges I face in the way that Barclay does in that clip. Though for me it's not shyness, it just looks like it from the outside because I find it difficult to communicate socially, identify facial expressions, sarcasm, etc. There are some people out there who, for neurological reasons, simply cannot read socially signals quickly and fluently! It's a kind of language that all the 'confident' people always take for granted
agentleastlikely 1 year ago
Comment removed
Vamphaery 1 year ago
Barclay was certainly the most unique character created for STNG. One of the best episodes of the series, along with "The Nth Degree". Face it-- while Picard, Wesley, Riker, et al are good characters for a series like STNG, many of us would be very intmidated by them. The STNG universe is populated by so many technical wunderkinds, that many viewers would feel out of place in it. So many of us are shy and sensitive and feel inadequate, which is why so many resonated with the character.
farmerne 2 years ago
Barclay is the best Star Trek character ever.
njf0 2 years ago 6
This character is so well done. I can totally relate. Especially being in a technical field. No matter how smart you are... if you can't communicate and articulate your thoughts to others... with confidence... people will assume you're incompetent.
otakurocklee 2 years ago 3
To finish what I said 6 months ago: Gene Roddenberry's vision for humanity in the Star Trek universe was that man would accomplish great things in spite of our own shortcomings and flaws (and the flaws of others). No one personifies Gene's vision better than Lt. Barclay. In spite of his problems Barclay accomplished truly wondrous feats of brilliance and courage.
TalkerOne 2 years ago 3
I have social anxiety and Barcley is a character I really can relate to. Dwight Schultz's performance in this role is seriously some of the best acting I've ever seen.
TheNervousRobot 2 years ago 29
I agree (kinda why I posted it...). I always thought that either Mr. Schultz or whoever wrote this episode/character must have known what it's like, from having dealt with social anxiety at some point in their lives. No other way it could be so convincingly real.
MistySteele 2 years ago 12
me to!
insanemustaine111 2 years ago
@TheNervousRobot
His speech almost made me cry..its EXCACTLY how I feel...for years, until recently, I thought I was just a freak..I wish everyone in the world knew about Social Anxiety Disorder. That they would understand and wouldn't think we were just shy...that they wouldn't ask me why I'm sitting alone...like he said...just trying to look comfortable..
For years, I never knew anyone else out there felt how I did. Its such a relief to know that other people have the same problems..
DazzieMetallikat 1 year ago 4
@DazzieMetallikat You are NOT a freak :)
TalkerOne 1 year ago
@TalkerOne
Thanks. : )
DazzieMetallikat 1 year ago
How does an actor play someone who is quite literally smarter and more imaginative than almost anyone around him and yet doesn't know how to deal with those people. - Dwight Schultz pulled this off and made it look easy. Few actors could accomplish this.
TalkerOne 3 years ago 18
I'd date Barclay. He looks like such a sweetheart. :)
Jukesette 3 years ago 5
I agree. Brilliance yet sensitivity. Perfect. :-)
auroranebulosa 3 years ago 2
Do you have the whole episiod? If you do, could you please post it?
MyOwnCreationProduct 3 years ago
One thing I loved about Barclay was te fact he was prove that not everything or everyone is perfect in the future star trek world.There are still problems that people have that need to be worked out or delt with.And I loved how they brought him over onto Voyager and continued the character.
rtds9fan 3 years ago 9
barclay is my favourite character and this is my favourite scene! THANKS!!!
Sarah19fender 3 years ago 2
one of my absolute favourite scenes in star trek!
Radyserb 4 years ago 3
Barclay has social anxiety disorder(social phobia), a mental illness recognized in the DSM-IV. It is treatable, you dont have to suffer alone.
Globodyne 4 years ago 2
True dat. I felt like i connected with barkley a lot watching him. He also has more reasonable fears about technology in the future then any of the "average" ppl in startrek. Ask any of the actors if they would want to really be "beamed up"!
CryoKeen 3 years ago 4
@Globodyne Also could be known as aspergers syndrome, although treatable to a point.
Movieguy10001 2 years ago
QED
Neosquall 4 years ago