George Takei at 88: A Lifelong Advocate for Equality and Justice

George Takei, the iconic actor best known for his role as Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu in the classic science fiction series "Star Trek," continues to champion social justice and equality at the age of 88. In a recent interview on Audie Cornish’s podcast "The Assignment," Takei shared his deeply personal experiences regarding U.S. immigration enforcement and the historical injustices faced by Japanese Americans during World War II.

During the war, Takei and his family were unjustly interned in a camp, a fate that he recalls painfully and poignantly. "Our democracy reflects the people, and if the people are cowed and silent, it fails," Takei stated, emphasizing the importance of remembering history to prevent the repetition of such atrocities.

Takei's activism extends beyond his childhood trauma. He has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, drawing from his own experiences of being a closeted actor in a time when homosexuality was stigmatized in Hollywood. He remarked, "You could not aspire to be an actor, to be hired by a producer in Hollywood if it was known that you were gay." After coming out in 2005, Takei leveraged his celebrity status to highlight various social issues, including immigration reform. In his recent remarks, he criticized the Trump administration's policies, likening them to authoritarianism. "We have what I call 'Klingon in the White House,'" he said, expressing concern over the rise of divisive politics.

Takei also reflected on the executive order that led to the internment camps, noting how President Franklin D. Roosevelt was swept up in the wartime hysteria that unjustly classified Japanese Americans as 'enemy aliens.' He believes that this history serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing fear and ignorance to dictate government actions.

As an advocate for education, Takei underscores the role of teachers and librarians as essential pillars of democracy. He argues that they are crucial in imparting historical truths to future generations, thus preventing the recurrence of past mistakes. He stated, "This is where teachers and librarians are the pillars of democracy. They can teach them this truth that people, even great presidents, can be stampeded by hysteria."

Takei’s continued advocacy sheds light on the importance of standing up against injustices while also reminding society of the fragility of civil liberties when fear takes precedence over reason. His work not only highlights historical injustices but also serves as a call to action for individuals to engage in the democratic process and ensure that the voices of all communities are heard. As he articulates his vision for the future, Takei remains steadfast in his mission: to ensure that history does not repeat itself, advocating for a society where equality and justice prevail for all individuals, regardless of their background.