Justice

George Takei's Response to the Paris Attack Is Incredibly Powerful

November 14th 2015

Actor and activist George Takei spoke out on Facebook about the deadly attacks in Paris on Friday that left at least 127 people dead.

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From the backstage of his Broadway play "Allegiance," Takei showed solidarity with Paris, expressed condolences to the families of the victims, called for peace, and cautioned that we should not jump to conclusions while the world searches for answers about the attack.

 

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"I'm writing this backstage at Allegiance, my heart heavy with the news from Paris, aching for the victims and their families and friends.
"There no doubt will be those who look upon immigrants and refugees as the enemy as a result of these attacks, because they look like those who perpetrated these attacks, just as peaceful Japanese Americans were viewed as the enemy after Pearl Harbor. But we must resist the urge to categorize and dehumanize, for it is that very impulse that fueled the insanity and violence perpetrated this evening.
"Tonight, hold your loved ones, and pray or wish for peace, not only from guns and bombs, but from hatred and fear. If it is our freedom and joy they seek to destroy, give them not that victory. Against the forces of darkness and terror, love and compassion shall always prevail. ‪#‎JeSuisParis‬
-- George"

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Though we do not yet know who is behind the attacks, many have jumped to blame Muslims and/or refugees who have in recent months streamed into Europe from war-torn areas effected by radical militants such as Iraq, Syria, Africa, and elsewhere to escape violence and war.

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Takei cautioned that we should not jump to blame refugees and immigrants for the attack. He invoked the way the U.S. treated Japanese Americans after the Pearl Harbor attacks in 1941. Following the attack, which is the second most deadly attack on U.S. soil, Japanese Americans—including Takei and his family—were placed in interment camps. Takei's play "Allegiance" touches on this dark part of American history.

Takei, best known for his role as Captain Hikaru Sulu in "Star Trek," is also active on Facebook, and a well-known LGBT activist.

 

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