A Good War? Japanese Internment in North America

FEATURING STAR TREK’S GEORGE TAKEI

In the aftermath of the Second World War, a “Good War” narrative emerged among Allied nations, shaped by the indefensible actions of fascist regimes in Europe and the role that the Allies played in ending the Holocaust. In recent years that view has undergone a much-needed revision. Thanks to the efforts of affected communities, activists, and scholars, acts of internment against a minority population by the Canadian and American governments have become part of a conversation that is revising a vision of the War that, in hindsight, was far too simplistic. Join the Neuberger as we consider the images that were and are necessary for Canadians grappling with what their nation’s wartime conduct means at a time when living memory of internment is passing. On November 19 at 7:30 PM we will be joined by George Takei to discuss his own experiences being interned by the American government as a child, and his subsequent efforts to commemorate the historical wrong.

 

 

George Takei is a social justice activist, social media superstar, Grammy-nominated recording artist, New York Times bestselling author, and pioneering actor. He has appeared in more than 40 feature films and hundreds of television roles, most famously as Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek. From a childhood spent with his family wrongfully imprisoned in Japanese American internment camps during the Second World War to becoming one of the country's leading figures in the fight for social justice, LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality, Takei remains a powerful voice on issues ranging from politics to pop culture. Takei is the author of four books, including his autobiography To the Stars. His fifth book, the New York Times bestselling graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy, was released in July 2019. Takei has served as the spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign’s Coming Out Project and was Cultural Affairs Chairman of the Japanese American Citizens League. He is also chairman emeritus and a trustee of the Japanese American National Museum.

 

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Be sure to register for the Holocaust Education Week Channel on the Virtual J in order to view the program on November 19 at 7:30 PM.