George Takei: ‘We’ve Reached A New, Grotesque Low’

By N. Jamiyla Chisholm Aug 13, 2019

George Takei recently published a graphic memoir called “They Called Us Enemy,” (July 16), which recounts his childhood imprisonment in American concentration camps during World War II. Starting at age five, he and his family were forced to relocate to camps in Arkansas and his native California.

The 82-year-old actor and activist is also telling his story via his role on the second season of AMC Networks’ anthology series "The Terror: Infamy," which premiered Monday (August 12). “There were 6.5 acres covered with barracks, barbwire fence, sentry towers—I recognize them," Takei told CNN.

Beyond his acting role, Takei also served as a consultant on “The Terror,” and he refused to shy away from the horror he says still exists. “What we have is this endless cycle, the repetition of this kind of horror, injustice being inflicted on minority people, and we see it again today on our southern borders,” Takei reportedly said during a press conference at the Television Critics Association press tour on July 26. “But we've reached a new, grotesque low. We were together with our parents. Our families were intact. What we see today now is this incredible inhumanity of children being torn away from their parents.”

Takei went on to say, “I hope this show will remind people that it is still existing today. It is our hope that enough people, enough Americans seeing this, will try to keep this sort of thing from recurring in the future of this country to make it better, truer democracy.”