Exactly right, George. Take the high road regarding Shatner--and all things. (Other comments properly question why the editor fixated on Shatner. George Takei is worthy of his own NYT interview.) You are a great American.
3
" When I was a teenager, I had many long after-dinner conversations with him, and he explained American democracy to me. He said, 'Democracy can be as great as the people can be, but it’s also as fallible as people are.' "
Puts me in mind of something Warren Buffett said, the gist of which is: "the way to raise a child to be an intelligent adult is to have intelligent conversations at the dinner table."
Puts me in mind of something Warren Buffett said, the gist of which is: "the way to raise a child to be an intelligent adult is to have intelligent conversations at the dinner table."
12
As Assistant Secretary of War, head of the Council on Foreign Relations John J. McCloy initiated and directed the internment program. The record shows that he ignored F.B.I. and naval intelligence reports that backed Japanese-American loyalty, and kept these reports from the Supreme Court. Army officials urged in early 1944 that CFR member McCloy end the internment, but he cited "political rather than military" reasons for extending it another eight months. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's re-election was more important than returning loyal Americans to their homes.
Forty years apart, CFR member John J. McCloy made telling comments about the internment. Responding in 1942 to an Army general who questioned its legality, he said, "The Constitution is just a scrap of paper." Before the Presidential commission in 1981, he defended the internment as "retribution" for the Pearl Harbor attack. His lack of repentance gives CFR member McCloy a unique and unenviable place in American history.
Forty years apart, CFR member John J. McCloy made telling comments about the internment. Responding in 1942 to an Army general who questioned its legality, he said, "The Constitution is just a scrap of paper." Before the Presidential commission in 1981, he defended the internment as "retribution" for the Pearl Harbor attack. His lack of repentance gives CFR member McCloy a unique and unenviable place in American history.
3
beam me up. the man has depth, but the interview skims. come on, nyt, do better. we need to learn from everyone. takei could be part of that learning, if the reporter had gone there with him. "to bravely go..........." should be your reporters' guide. ah, well.
as to shatner's acting on the show, takei is generous in his assessment. I always felt the phoniness of shatner in character on the show. he was 'sticky' as an actor. a man pretending to act. that's two steps removed ie disaster. that's what stood out for me. he was not believable as Kirk. he was clearly shatner pretending to be Kirk. the rest of the cast were terrific and believable in character. team players seem to work better than one person trying to slam dunk every shot.
as to shatner's acting on the show, takei is generous in his assessment. I always felt the phoniness of shatner in character on the show. he was 'sticky' as an actor. a man pretending to act. that's two steps removed ie disaster. that's what stood out for me. he was not believable as Kirk. he was clearly shatner pretending to be Kirk. the rest of the cast were terrific and believable in character. team players seem to work better than one person trying to slam dunk every shot.
3
I am one of Takei's millions of facebook followers. His posts are always entertaining, informative, and just fun. Who knew the navigator of the Enterprise I watched as a kid in the sixties would such a star to me today.
2
Even setting aside the matter of George being gay his story is a great one of a family of immigrants who faced discrimination and poverty. Who persevered and broke through and made a contribution.
3
From a fanboy Trekkie who grew up with the series in the 60s, I am sad to see this feud continue so long. Sounds as if both sides are responsible C'mon George, you and Shatner ought to kiss and make up - figuratively, of course. But heck, literally, if that will put an end to the sniping. You guys are responsible for piloting NCC 1701 to go where no man (and woman) has ever gone before. We need you guys!
1
What started out as a very interesting piece on an eclectic individual ended as a Page 6 rehash. Too bad.
3
Er...why was so TAFFY BRODESSER-AKNER so determined to make this interview so much about William Shatner? Five questions about real issues, and the remaining four devoted to silliness.
4
George Takei is such a class act. Bravo.
5
Why was this so focused on Shatner? Some people simply don't like each other. Is this so shocking or unusual?
7
Agree, who cares about some old squabble. Why not tell us a little more about the new play or maybe explain what the internment was all about for all the readers under 50 who probably have no idea.
I love George, always have. I'm happy he's well and living life to the fullest.
3
Wonderful piece about an American hero.
Once, when I happened quite by chance to see a high school classmate in the Strand book store in New York, we greeted each other and talked for a few minutes. We were in our 40's at the time I guess. He mentioned to me rather casually that he and his parents, being Japanese-American, had been in an internment camp. I was very sad about that and at the time knew very little of the camps. My classmate had been a great student, modest but very smart. He and his family and families like the Takeis are many of the victims of a very dreadful policy enacted in our time.
Once, when I happened quite by chance to see a high school classmate in the Strand book store in New York, we greeted each other and talked for a few minutes. We were in our 40's at the time I guess. He mentioned to me rather casually that he and his parents, being Japanese-American, had been in an internment camp. I was very sad about that and at the time knew very little of the camps. My classmate had been a great student, modest but very smart. He and his family and families like the Takeis are many of the victims of a very dreadful policy enacted in our time.
10
George Takei makes me proud to be an American. A truly wonderful man.
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I know that Mr. Takei was very young at that time, but it would be interesting to have heard from others about the experience of homosexuals in the internment camps. To my knowledge nothing has been revealed or uncovered about that.
6
Takei clearly likes to hear himself talk. My advice to him would be to stop trying to remind everyone he's such a wonderful gay guy, and just get on with life.
2
Bill, stop being so jealous. He didn't bust your chops in any serious way. And dude, he is talking about himself because he is being interviewed about himself. Try to focus.
6
When you've accomplished half as much as he has let us know.
3
Mr Takeiis the next best thing since sliced bread! Bravo to a real American hero!!
7
Yes, George is quite the ... PERSONALITY. I'm Sure he's a Great Guy & even Better than Bread, But Why oh WHY is he a Hero?
Because he is a Showbiz Personality? Because he has successfully made it to old Age in fairly good shape? Because he is Gay. Because ?????
Heroes are Firemen / Soldiers who drop on a Grenade to save their Squad / Doctors & Nurses who go to Disease & War Torn places to save Lives / Etc/Etc.
But Now - Showbiz Personalities are Heroes? Please. You diminish Real Heroes & Heroines. And I'm pretty sure Mr. Takei would agree.
Because he is a Showbiz Personality? Because he has successfully made it to old Age in fairly good shape? Because he is Gay. Because ?????
Heroes are Firemen / Soldiers who drop on a Grenade to save their Squad / Doctors & Nurses who go to Disease & War Torn places to save Lives / Etc/Etc.
But Now - Showbiz Personalities are Heroes? Please. You diminish Real Heroes & Heroines. And I'm pretty sure Mr. Takei would agree.
7
I've got news for you: Most cops, firefighters, and soldiers are not heroes either. We make too big a deal about heroes in this country, and we should stop it.
2
The significance of wholesale Japanese-American internment on the West Coast is further enhanced by the post-9/11 efforts to rehabilitate that episode as a genuine case of military necessity to lobby for a more robust imposition of collective responsibility upon "Islamists."
3
What a wonderful man!
8
Agreed. BBS Tucker?
Does anyone else suspect that George and Bill conspired to create and milk their "hostility" for all it's worth?
1
No.
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No.
3
George Takei is an all-around Class A All-American Good Guy, standing tall for truth, justice and the American Way!
7
it's too bad his government didn't--and doesn't now in many ways.
1
Thanks, Mr. Takei, for your insight, your humor, and your positive outlook on life. Keep on truckin' !!!
10
Interesting & Ironic,
After George's experience in internment camps...
he used the term "Paddy Wagons" to describe police transport
for persecuted homosexuals. "Paddy Wagon" was a nickname given to a vehicle police use to transport prisoners during the New York Draft riots of 1863. The Irish at the time were the poorest people in the city. When the draft was implemented it had a provision for wealthier people to buy a waiver. The Irish rioted, and the term Paddy wagon was coined.
After George's experience in internment camps...
he used the term "Paddy Wagons" to describe police transport
for persecuted homosexuals. "Paddy Wagon" was a nickname given to a vehicle police use to transport prisoners during the New York Draft riots of 1863. The Irish at the time were the poorest people in the city. When the draft was implemented it had a provision for wealthier people to buy a waiver. The Irish rioted, and the term Paddy wagon was coined.
3
Thank you for speaking out about our (the Irish) dark time. We were persecuted for our beliefs,being poor, and just being Irish. No one talks about indentured servitude anymore. We were killed in our native land because we wanted to practice our religion. We were ostracized from meaningful education and jobs both in the old country and here. We died as indentured slaves, beat up for being poor dumb Irish. Then there's the other story, Thomas Wolfes book on the great contribution the ScotsIrish gave to this countr in terms of work ethic and traditions. Remember Carnegie Mellon University? Just to name one of many.
How about an Irish month set aside to remember the Irish hardships and incredible contributions to this country. Including a somewhat famous President John F Kennedy
How about an Irish month set aside to remember the Irish hardships and incredible contributions to this country. Including a somewhat famous President John F Kennedy
Juan Wiseman - Well I'm glad that's settled then, either Mr. Takei is bigoted anti-Irish or just not familiar with the etymology of the phrase Paddy wagon.
7
Take it easy, I don't think Juan was accusing Takei of being a bigot. He was merely pointing out the irony of him using a bigoted term without realizing it, because the term has lost its original meaning. God forbid anyone, even in the slightest, critique Mr. Takei. PC at its finest.
1
I just love George; as I read his answers I could hear his voice and cadence in my head. Brings a smile to my face every time.
In addition to enjoying him from his roles in Star Trek, Green Berets, and Heroes he is awesome on the Howard Stern Show. If you haven't gotten a chance to hear him in that forum it is something you absolutely should do. Funny, thought provoking, and a bit of a history lesson.
George is a helluva guy!
In addition to enjoying him from his roles in Star Trek, Green Berets, and Heroes he is awesome on the Howard Stern Show. If you haven't gotten a chance to hear him in that forum it is something you absolutely should do. Funny, thought provoking, and a bit of a history lesson.
George is a helluva guy!
3
I don't care what Mr. Takei's sexual orientation is.
He is simply a wonderful human being who has transcended his most famous acting role.
You go, George! Fan for life here.
He is simply a wonderful human being who has transcended his most famous acting role.
You go, George! Fan for life here.
15
If you folks haven't yet seen Takei as Dr. Matsutani, the econ. professor in the otherwise eminently forgettable Tom Hanks/Julia Roberts vehicle "Larry Crowne", you're missing a treat. If MY econ. professors in college had been as entertaining, I'd be a much better match for The Professor on Mondays and Fridays.
6
Stardate 9521.6. Captain's Log, US Earth. George Takei commanding. After 78 years, I am in a good place, I am at peace.
7
George, you've always been a favorite.
Thanks for being you.
Thanks for being you.
6
Such a developed, mature, life-affirming man.
13
George doesn't seem to be the only person who has issues with William Shatner. Even Leonard Nimoy, who seemed to remain friends with him, said Shatner was very competitive with other actors on the show.
9
Far from the only person. Doohan hated him and negative remarks abound from those who work with him at conventions. The essential problem I think is that his ego leads him to put down or dismiss others.
1
Multitalented. Class act. Role model. Um, running out of superlatives here. . . .
6
Certainly you could have asked better questions than a quarrel with William Shatner.
13
Just a gentle reminder that "paddy wagon" is a little out-of-date and disrespectful. It's so ingrained in popular parlance that it is normally excused, but should be retired from Mr. Takei's dialog on respect.
2
"But Bill is a wonderful actor ..."
Generous above and beyond any call of duty.
Generous above and beyond any call of duty.
6
What a fine person! Both Mr. Takei and his father have exhibited such enduring character and the drive and persistence to overcome obstacles and succeed in spite of them. They are "big people" in every good sense of the word and meaning. We are fortunate that they choose to understand the fallibilities of the American experiment of democracy, to forgive the mistakes we or our predecessor's made of our culture, and to work to improve our culture and values. Hopefully, we may learn from them and raise our sensitivity so the mistakes are not repeated. They have both set high standards for us to emulate. Cheers!
4
It's nice to see the Times give Mr. Takei such a prominent interview (Sunday Magazine) but it would have been nice to see a full length profile of such an interesting man whose appeal spans generations.
Also, it's disappointing that NYT decided to take the glib approach and focus almost half this feature on some ridiculous "feud". This is supposed to be The New York Times, not TMZ
Also, it's disappointing that NYT decided to take the glib approach and focus almost half this feature on some ridiculous "feud". This is supposed to be The New York Times, not TMZ
14
Enough already with the Shatner feud.
3
George Takei is a true gentleman, and a role model of decency and kindness.
6
From reading the previous comments, it's obvious I'll be in the minority here, but I'm going to let him have it: Enough with your childish feud with Shatner!
You're just jealous that he was the star of the series & the movies & now he's making millions from doing ads.
You'll notice that Shatner never talks about you, so do the same about him already.
You don't have to make up with him, just shut up about it!
You're just jealous that he was the star of the series & the movies & now he's making millions from doing ads.
You'll notice that Shatner never talks about you, so do the same about him already.
You don't have to make up with him, just shut up about it!
Actually, Shatner milks it more than Takei does. And, George Takei has nothing to be jealous of...he is just as popular (if not more, now) and just as rich. You really should do your homework before you post.
“Democracy can be as great as the people can be, but it’s also as fallible as people are.”
His father was a wise man.
His father was a wise man.
56
Props to George Takei.
He's a solid human being.
He's a solid human being.
70
From the story that Mr Takei tells, his father, Takei was an extraordinary person with heart and intellect. And the courage to start over.
59
Takei is a class act.
73
You took the words right out of my mouth.
This was my EXACT thought after finishing the interview. Class act.
George Takei is a true American Hero!
Bravo to him for being able to turn crushing humiliations into the will to over come & spring boarding from that to fulfilling his dream to be an actor. Once again, taking his fame as an actor with a cult following, into new pursuits to give his creativity new outlets to reach new audiences with intelligence & humanity. He's a great example for anyone from any generation to look to, admire & strive to achieve ones own goals against great odds. And do it with humility & humanity.
Long Live George Takei!
Bravo to him for being able to turn crushing humiliations into the will to over come & spring boarding from that to fulfilling his dream to be an actor. Once again, taking his fame as an actor with a cult following, into new pursuits to give his creativity new outlets to reach new audiences with intelligence & humanity. He's a great example for anyone from any generation to look to, admire & strive to achieve ones own goals against great odds. And do it with humility & humanity.
Long Live George Takei!
47
Wonderful.....
24
Many, many years ago, I had the good fortune of sitting near George Takei on an airplane flight. I could not resist saying hi. I asked him if he thought we would be doing warp speed to our destination, he said he expected it would be at impulse power. He gave me an autograph. When I was picking up my luggage, I noticed he was picking up his own luggage just like me. He smiled and waved good bye. He was a total gentleman. I wish him well and respect him even more after reading this.
84
And thank you, Mr Bretz, for sharing this with us.
1
Seems like Mr. Takei knows the difference between treating people with Dignity and earning their respect.
36
See a film about George, his life and his partner on Netflix: To Be Takei.
16
George Takei is my constant reminder that if you take the high road, you always win.
91
A wonderful, funny, and wonderfully funny man.
18
If only the world's worst problem turned out to be a "feud" between Shatner and Takei.
I'd take that.
I'd take that.
24
I can't believe this article actually beings with "You’re very busy for someone of your age." I see this as a very ageist comment.
Love George Takei... at any age!
Love George Takei... at any age!
53
People his age tend to be less active than he is; that's a fact that you can substantiate.
Denying him opportunities, pay, etc due to his age would be ageist.
But agreed, Takei is awesome!
Denying him opportunities, pay, etc due to his age would be ageist.
But agreed, Takei is awesome!
2
I agree.....that "...for someone of your age.." crack was inappropriate. I have no idea how old he is and don't care. He's a great guy....whether he's 28 or 68 or whatever.
1
I had the same thought.
George Takei is a fascinating man - a force of pop culture, modern communication and social justice.
I just wish that half of this interview didn't dwell on William Shatner.
I just wish that half of this interview didn't dwell on William Shatner.
72
I know. Takei talked about how Shatner has to take up all the oxygen, then the interviewer proceeded to have Shatner take up half the interview. How many ways can Takei say "I have no problem with him?".
Love Shatner, but this wasn't about him, or it shouldn't have been.
Love Shatner, but this wasn't about him, or it shouldn't have been.
3
Seriously? From these excerpts, it appears that the reporter spends more than half the interview with this amazing man asking about his feud with Shatner. Poor interviewing or editing decisions.
65
Shatner is a wonderful actor!
7
Just ask him!
1
GT was being charitable. One has to give WS credit, however, for being in the public eye for more than half a century (Twilight Zone, Star Trek, TJ Hooker, Rescue 911, Boston Legal, Priceline). I have a soft spot for WS because he went to my alma mater. And a soft spot for the late great Leonard Nimoy because he was from my home town. But I have a soft spot for GT just because he's a great guy.
Yes indeed. Wonderful and flawed. And some people focus on the flaws or later hamminess and forget that.
1
Love the ending comment. Takei gets the last laugh.
61
I'm not a Star Trek fan and not a social media crazy. I just like a guy who can be himself, draw others in, be humane, and be human. However George does that, kudos and thanks.
92
How can you not like George Takei? Just seems like a guy that is comfortable in his own skin and enjoys life.
123
There is such a long, well-described narrative between George and The "Shat". At one point George mentioned that Shatner was the only person on the whole ST set circa 1968 who didn't know he was gay. He would even invite George out to bars to "pick up girls". But what is this about him being a "great actor"?!
I love Shatner like I love a drunk old uncle who throws a fun party and invariably makes an amusing spectacle of himself. And then he uses the spectacle for self-promotion under the guise of humility and false introspection (which is brilliant, please Alex Baldwin and numerous other copy-cats). But, hats off to Mr. Takei for using new media to promote social issues. He has made himself relevant to kids born 20 years ago and his legacy will be one of equality and compassion. He gets better with age.
I love Shatner like I love a drunk old uncle who throws a fun party and invariably makes an amusing spectacle of himself. And then he uses the spectacle for self-promotion under the guise of humility and false introspection (which is brilliant, please Alex Baldwin and numerous other copy-cats). But, hats off to Mr. Takei for using new media to promote social issues. He has made himself relevant to kids born 20 years ago and his legacy will be one of equality and compassion. He gets better with age.
81
To be a little fair, early in his career, Shatner got some respect from his acting, particularly for his work with Rod Serling on American Playhouse and Twilight Zone. So by the time he gets to ST he's got this big ego thing going on. Later of course, he let his thing devolve into a kind of schtick and he never got any more good roles.
8
William Shatner does a HUGE amount of fundraising and charitable work... but he does so without promotion or fanfare. And on Star Trek, he and Nimoy and DeForrest Kelly were the *stars* of the show. I love Takei, but he's never been able to accept the fact that he was very much an ensemble player on the show, and Shatner the lead.
In some early episodes of Star Trek, presumably under a strong director, he was actually very good. Forceful.
1
Shatner is a self-centered, loud-mouthed 2nd rate actor!
15
Ah, but where would we be without the "Shatner Pause?"
A Shatner Pause is defined as any sentence where two or more words are incorrectly given more emphasis and immediately followed by a pause whereupon the sentence is continued where yet another Shatner Pause may be inserted or the sentence ended.
In literary situations, such as text based communication or in print, the Shatner Pause should be designated using the double comma " ,, " instead of ellipsis " ... ". The ellipse "..." is properly used as a moment of silence. A moment of silence without defined theatrics is not defined as a Shatner Pause.
"The night will bring,, many hardships before the sun rises." single Shatner Pause
"You are,, eating my chips,, and I want them back" example of a double Shatner Pause----(From the Urban Dictionary)
A Shatner Pause is defined as any sentence where two or more words are incorrectly given more emphasis and immediately followed by a pause whereupon the sentence is continued where yet another Shatner Pause may be inserted or the sentence ended.
In literary situations, such as text based communication or in print, the Shatner Pause should be designated using the double comma " ,, " instead of ellipsis " ... ". The ellipse "..." is properly used as a moment of silence. A moment of silence without defined theatrics is not defined as a Shatner Pause.
"The night will bring,, many hardships before the sun rises." single Shatner Pause
"You are,, eating my chips,, and I want them back" example of a double Shatner Pause----(From the Urban Dictionary)
23
He also has a closet full of skeletons, but Mr. Takei should always be the center of attraction.
2
And loved by millions. .
Not a month goes by without him pitching something on TV.
Not bad for a 2nd rate star from the 60s.
Not a month goes by without him pitching something on TV.
Not bad for a 2nd rate star from the 60s.
5
Thank you for the inclusion of forgiveness. It is much needed in today's world. When our hearts lead, there's much more positive and powerful human interaction. Forgiveness is a wonderful tool to bring people together.
43
Love George Takei.
58
I'm 61 and he's one of my role models!
I don't.
Love him...
30
What a joy to hear the thoughts of such a thoughtful, intelligent, decent person. He clearly seems to know how to get the most out of life and give back at the same time.
111
George Takei - an American treasure. It's all there. The grotesquerie of internment, the striving, the closeting to make his way, his success, and the changing times that now allow him to be himself. Bravo, Mr Takei!
136