George Takei on Paris attacks: Refugees are not the enemy

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 categorise and dehumanise, for it is that very impulse that fuelled 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. 

(This post appeared on George Takei's Facebook page.)