George Takei: World-famous Star Trek actor (helmsman of the USS Enterprise); author; producer; and social justice, civil rights & human rights advocate and activist (April 20, 1937-Present)
Excellent, Lois. I am glad to learn these details. Unjust and unacceptable racist treatment of a group of citizens based on social and political fear. All those interned in the camps showed more patriotism than those who put them there. We have a lot to learn from them.
I knew a lot of the history, but it was good to read the story of George Takei and of his parents ; and, equally important, how they overcame hardship and discrimination. One of the major reasons that Star Trek was so popular in the 1960s and 1970s was that it presented a view that aligned with the promises of liberal democratic values.
These are the values that were instilled in me by my parents and by my teachers. These values were considered the societal norm until recently. In the last 10 years or so (perhaps longer), extremism and hate has been normalized, in America, but also in my nation of Canada, in Britain, in France and in many other nations of the world.
It is frightening, and we once again are callled upon to fight against the forces of darkness, because there is no light or love in hatred and discrimination.
Yes, these certainly are frightening times. I am also glad to have models and quiet, patient heroes like George Takei and his parents, to help us understand what it takes to get us through, and light the way.
Thank you! Yes, he has been doing what he can, as we all must, now, too. Hope is one of the things I'm definitely trying to communicate with my stories. Also, I'm trying to lay out stories about people who've employed strategies of resistance and resilience that worked in their circumstances and their time, which we might seek to learn from, modify, and/or use, now.
BTW just got a post from Asha Rangappa with a great video extolling the virtues of USAID. Spread the word to counteract a supposedly imminent Suoer Bowl Ad by the unelected government contracts grifter.
Thanks, I actually think a lot of those who care and are mesmerized by the Super Bowl are pretty much lost already, with all honesty. I know there’s lots of those. Football, Super Bowl and most corporate sports consumption is something I just don’t understand and never will. I understand what it’s there for, and that it works very well…in terms of seeking to pacify and manipulate the masses…get them to channel their aggression by watching people serving on teams hit those on other teams… and prime them for wars and conflicts based on reasons they don’t understand just because they’re “on the other side” and to root for ours. I think, the video would work well for those who normally watch but have decided to boycott, this year…but that’s already speaking to the choir who believes, one might say.
You have a point, Lois. I’ll be going to bed at my usual early hour and wouldn’t be interested in it anyway. Tomorrow is another day to continue the fight to save us all. Thank you for all you are doing.
Excellent, Lois. I am glad to learn these details. Unjust and unacceptable racist treatment of a group of citizens based on social and political fear. All those interned in the camps showed more patriotism than those who put them there. We have a lot to learn from them.
I knew a lot of the history, but it was good to read the story of George Takei and of his parents ; and, equally important, how they overcame hardship and discrimination. One of the major reasons that Star Trek was so popular in the 1960s and 1970s was that it presented a view that aligned with the promises of liberal democratic values.
These are the values that were instilled in me by my parents and by my teachers. These values were considered the societal norm until recently. In the last 10 years or so (perhaps longer), extremism and hate has been normalized, in America, but also in my nation of Canada, in Britain, in France and in many other nations of the world.
It is frightening, and we once again are callled upon to fight against the forces of darkness, because there is no light or love in hatred and discrimination.
Yes, these certainly are frightening times. I am also glad to have models and quiet, patient heroes like George Takei and his parents, to help us understand what it takes to get us through, and light the way.
I loved this. George and his activism are a constant reminder that we can come back from anything with courage and compassion.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. If you like this one, please check out some of my other stories on my blog. :)
Glad to have found you, Lois. And this story gives us hope. George is still spreading his determination to prevent a return to the past.
Thank you! Yes, he has been doing what he can, as we all must, now, too. Hope is one of the things I'm definitely trying to communicate with my stories. Also, I'm trying to lay out stories about people who've employed strategies of resistance and resilience that worked in their circumstances and their time, which we might seek to learn from, modify, and/or use, now.
BTW just got a post from Asha Rangappa with a great video extolling the virtues of USAID. Spread the word to counteract a supposedly imminent Suoer Bowl Ad by the unelected government contracts grifter.
Thanks, I actually think a lot of those who care and are mesmerized by the Super Bowl are pretty much lost already, with all honesty. I know there’s lots of those. Football, Super Bowl and most corporate sports consumption is something I just don’t understand and never will. I understand what it’s there for, and that it works very well…in terms of seeking to pacify and manipulate the masses…get them to channel their aggression by watching people serving on teams hit those on other teams… and prime them for wars and conflicts based on reasons they don’t understand just because they’re “on the other side” and to root for ours. I think, the video would work well for those who normally watch but have decided to boycott, this year…but that’s already speaking to the choir who believes, one might say.
You have a point, Lois. I’ll be going to bed at my usual early hour and wouldn’t be interested in it anyway. Tomorrow is another day to continue the fight to save us all. Thank you for all you are doing.
Thank you! Getting sufficient sleep is something I’m looking to prioritize, too, now.