George Takei just might be everyone’s favorite person to follow on Facebook. He (or his social media manager, whatever) is really good at posting funny, witty posts. However, Mr. Takei made some statements that weren’t very funny, or witty. While commenting on the recent gay marriage ruling, Takei referred to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as a “clown in blackface” for making remarks that, to quote Takei himself, “really got under my skin.”
However, Takei feels he owes an apology for the comment. He posted a long-ass apology on his Facebook page (of course!), so here are some excerpts:
I recently was asked by a reporter about Justice Clarence Thomas’s dissent in the marriage equality cases, in which he wrote words that really got under my skin, by suggesting that the government cannot take away human dignity through slavery, or though internment. In my mind that suggested that this meant he felt the government therefore shouldn’t be held accountable, or should do nothing in the face of gross violations of dignity. When asked by a reporter about the opinion, I was still seething, and I referred to him as a “clown in blackface” to suggest that he had abdicated and abandoned his heritage. This was not intended to be racist, but rather to evoke a history of racism in the theatrical arts. While I continue to vehemently disagree with Justice Thomas, the words I chose, said in the heat of anger, were not carefully considered.
TL;DR:
[…] my choice of words was regrettable, not because I do not believe Justice Thomas is deeply wrong, but because they were ad hominem and uncivil, and for that I am sorry.
He goes on to wish everyone a happy Fourth of July weekend.
Yeah, definitely not the best choice of words there, buddy. But I feel the apology is sincere and thoughtful and shows actual remorse. What do you think?
Wise. Perfect, while conceding nothing.