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upworthy

George Takei

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A rare behind-the-curtain look at acting that's less glam and more racist

Underrepresented actors often have been complicit in creating ethnic stereotypes in the media. For my own part, I rented out my Asian face to Jerry Lewis back in the day.Now we're not only speaking out, but creating, writing, and portraying who we are — as we are — in our great, dazzling diversity. As we contribute our authentic selves, the comedy becomes specific and real, the drama is distinctive and identifiable, and our society grows enriched and involving. Hollywood and the media now have the opportunity to actively engage with the talented diversity that comprises our entire society. But is it "to be or not to be? That is the question." — George Takei

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Hollywood has a huge imagination.

In the last decade and a half, we've had:

Billionaire superheroes.

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She didn't get a standing ovation for this speech. And the reason shouldn't surprise you.

We need to get big money out of politics. If you don't know about the Citizens United case and why it should be overturned through a constitutional amendment, it's time to become educated. The danger of giving so few people so much power can no longer be ignored. How few, you may ask? Hear the shocking figure in this speech by Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Our system is teetering, poisoned by corporate lobbyists armed with checkbooks from multimillionaires. We can either let it topple, or we can save it by acting.Access is power, and big money buys big access. Many members of the current Congress have been bought and paid for. It's small wonder THEY won't be voting for reform. So I say let's get them out, before it's too late.

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Gay People Made A Straight Man Cry With Their Response To The Question 'Is Being Gay A Choice?'

I have always maintained that the fight for LGBT equality can only be won with the help of our straight allies, and this is a noble and fine example. This vlogger (who is straight) changed the life of one young gay man whose own parents not only rejected him when he came out, but subjected him to horrific verbal and physical abuse before tossing him out of his home. The incident brought the vlogger to tears, and his heroic and heartfelt response brought me to them in turn. Hearts and minds are changed one person at a time. But this shows that one person with his heart in the right place really can make a big difference.

Laverne Cox (“Orange is the New Black") tells a personal story that touches upon tough questions of race and gender identity and expression. Her courage to be who she is, and to remain compassionate in the face of open taunts and public shaming, is truly inspiring.

Every moment of her talk is compelling, but if you've only got a few minutes, jump ahead to 4:37 to hear why she does not descend to the level of her attackers. The answer—and the question she poses—puts so much of bullying into simple, elegant perspective. Bravo to her for speaking up and speaking out.

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