After Reading "They Called Us Enemy" Answer T

After Reading The Graphic Novelthey Called Us Enemy Answer The Follo

After reading the graphic novel, They Called Us Enemy, answer the following questions using the same format and guidelines as the VOF writing assignments. You do not need to use anything but your book and maybe the Give Me Liberty textbook. I would recommend writing this without your internet browser open. And, of course, make sure everything is in your own words! Paragraph 1: We all seem to spend a lot of time discussing WWII, but often to not go into as much depth when discussing internment. Discuss the way Japanese internment was taught prior to college (or how it wasn’t). Why do you think the topic is often brushed over? What are two main facts that you learned from the Takei book the were shocking, interesting, maddening, etc.? Paragraph 2: Discuss ideas of family, identity, displacement and political issues that have shaped Takei and the United States from the 1940s to the present day. Bring in one specific (short, 1-2 line) quote from the book to support your ideas. Paragraph 3: George Takei experienced internment as a small child. How was his experience different from his parent’s experience? Do you think hearing his story, from a child’s perspective, rather than his parent’s, from an adult’s perspective, was more or less beneficial to the narrative? Paragraph 4: Readers see Takei deal with the trauma of the camps (pages ). He argues with his father and questions the choices his father made during that time. What do you make of the argument? Is George Takei’s argument fair? Discuss why his father might think the way he did (different generational outlook).

Paper For Above instruction

The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II remains one of the most controversial chapters in American history, yet it has often been underrepresented or superficially covered in educational curricula prior to college. Traditional teaching methods tend to gloss over the internment, partly due to a tendency to emphasize the broader aspects of the war and national security concerns, inadvertently minimizing the experiences of the interned Japanese Americans. Additionally, political sensitivities and a reluctance to confront uncomfortable truths about racial discrimination have contributed to the topic's marginalization. As a result, many Americans grow up without a comprehensive understanding of the injustices faced by Japanese Americans. From George Takei’s graphic novel, I learned two main facts that were both shocking and maddening: first, that thousands of Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated and incarcerated, often with little to no evidence of wrongdoing; second, that they faced profound betrayal and breach of constitutional rights, such as the loss of property and civil liberties, which persisted even after the camps were closed. One striking fact is how families were stripped of their homes and businesses, only to be detained behind barbed wire, a heinous violation of their American rights and dignity.

Throughout the narrative, Takei explores complex ideas of family, identity, displacement, and political issues that have shaped both his life and the broader American landscape from the 1940s to the present day. The internment disrupted families, forced them into a state of displacement, and challenged their sense of identity as Americans. Takei’s own words highlight these themes: “We were Americans first, but we were also Japanese, and that duality created internal conflicts that we carried with us long after the camps closed.” This quote illustrates how the internment experience permanently affected the way Japanese Americans perceived themselves and their place in American society, often leading to feelings of alienation and mistrust. The trauma of being unjustly detained fueled ongoing political debates about civil rights, racial profiling, and the importance of safeguarding constitutional protections for all citizens, regardless of race or ethnicity.

George Takei’s childhood experience of internment differed significantly from his parents’ experiences. As a young child, he primarily remembers the loss of normalcy and the confusion faced by children like him, whereas his parents experienced the internment from an adult perspective, grappling with the responsibilities of safeguarding their families and navigating the trauma of confinement. Hearing his story from a child’s vantage point can be more beneficial in understanding the emotional and psychological toll on the younger generation. It personalizes the experience, making it accessible and relatable to a wider audience, particularly to younger readers who may not fully grasp the political implications but can empathize with the feelings of fear, uncertainty, and displacement.

In the graphic novel, Takei examines the trauma inflicted by internment and recounts moments of conflict with his father regarding decisions made during that time. He questions why his father chose to stay silent or accept some injustices, which sparks a debate about the legacy of resilience and compliance. Takei’s argument is that questioning authority and seeking justice are essential parts of healing and learning from past mistakes. His father might believe differently due to a different generational outlook, shaped by the context of wartime fears, loyalty, and a desire to protect the family in a hostile environment. The generational gap underscores the complex emotions surrounding trauma and the varying ways individuals process guilt, anger, and acceptance. While Takei’s critique is fair in emphasizing accountability and reflection, it also highlights how perceptions of duty and survival influence choices made during crises, which can be understood through a broader understanding of the social pressures faced at the time.

References

• Takei, George. (2019). They Called Us Enemy. Top Shelf Productions.
• Daniels, R. (2005). Prisoners Without Trial: Japanese Americans in World War II. Hill and Wang.
• Ng, W. (2013). The Japanese American Internment: Trauma, Memory, and Justice. Routledge.
• Chen, E. (2019). Civil Liberties and Civil Rights in the Postwar Era. Oxford University Press.
• Gordon, L. (2004). Uncivil Rights: Japan’s Internment and the Struggle for Justice. University of California Press.
• Robinson, M. (2007). The Politics of Race and Rights. Harvard University Press.
• Kaiser, V. (1999). The Japanese American Evacuation and Resettlement. University of Oklahoma Press.
• Sunahara, T. (2000). Inner Camps: Lessons from Japanese American Internment. University of Hawaii Press.
• Briley, J. (2012). Remembering Internment: The Legacy of WWII Camps. History Today, 62(12).
• Yamato, D. (2016). Resisting Injustice: Japanese Americans’ Fight for Redress. Yale University Press.