Japanese american incarceration

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

REASON for Japanese American Incarceration

“All things in the world are two. In our minds we are two, good and evil. With our eyes we see two things, things that are fair and things that are ugly.... We have the right hand that strikes and makes for evil, and we have the left hand full of kindness, near the heart. One foot may lead us to an evil way, the other foot may lead us to a good. So are all things two, all two.” – Letakos-Lesa Pawnee

In the spring and early summer of 1942, nearly 120,00 Japanese and Japanese Americans were forced to move from the West Coast Military Zones (Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona and Nevada) of the United States to War Relocation Centers, concentration camps in remote places in the nation’s interior (Daniels 1). President Franklin D. Roosevelt issues Executive Order 9066, which authorize Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson and Military Commanders to “”designate” any “action necessary...to prescribe military areas..from which any or all persons may be excluded..enter, remain in or leave (Daniels 145).” A 1981 report by Presidential Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians conclude that “the broad historical causes were race prejudice, war hysteria, and a failure of political leadership (Daniels 1).”

American society made every effort to keep Japanese segregated and less exposed to Americanization. In 1905, the anti-Japanese movement accused “Japanese men were a menace to white women, that every immigrant was ‘a Japanese spy,’ and there were at least 100,000 of the ‘little brown men’ in the country (Daniels 10).” Typical newspapers headlines include “Brown Men an Evil in the Public Schools” and “the Yellow Peril – How Japanese Crowd out the White Race” These prejudices led up to the anti-Japanese resolution which not only exclude Japanese immigrant to become naturalized citizens, but all immigrants from Asia (Daniels 12). Other discriminative policy includes trade unions and professional associations barring issei from membership (Daniels 18). In 1906, school segregation was prevalent throughout California. Typical cases include “shutting Japanese out from the from the public schools in San Francisco....universities and colleges of California do not welcome Japanese students (Roosevelt: 29-30).”

During the period of bombing of Pearl Harbor up until April of 1942, the United States government tries to portray Japanese as an inferior race. In "Japanese Warrior” and “Short Japanese admirals”, the political cartoonist is trying to portray biological differences between Chinese and Japanese facial feature. Defamatory terms such as “flat-nosed peasant type…flat, blob nose…humorless…ruthless…big, fair-skinned hairy” are used to isolate Japanese population, depicting Japanese American not as a typical American but a foreigner or immigrant from enemy nation. Explicit details pointing out biological difference between Chinese and Japanese not alienate Japan from Asian community, but even more so from white American community. This is pure racism because the Japanese is being pointed out like a special group that must be remembered not as the same as white American, but a threat. In “Stamp ‘Em Out”, a U.S. militant is crushing a white Nazi snake and a yellow Japanese snake. Because white Nazi snake is bigger than yellow Japanese snake, reader can think that white race (represented by German snake) is more powerful than yellow race (represented by Japanese snake). An obvious point being made by drawing Nazi snake encircling Japanese snake is that yellow people is an inferior race compared to white people. The “wrapping around” represents white people in control of yellow people, in a master to servant relationship. This is reinforced by making the “yellow snake” bowing the head low whereas the “white snake” is erecting up high. One political cartoon portrays Adolf Hitler as a handsome, charming looking person, with well combed hair, relaxed, naked eye whereas Emperor Hirohito is an ugly person with pig-like nose, rabbit-like teeth, echidna-like hair wearing eye glasses (Geisel1). This is racism because white race is seen as nice, gentle whereas yellow race (Japanese) is being seen like an animal. Because the government think of white as a superior race versus yellow, it is “natural” that Japanese get unfair treatment because they are inferior. For example, U.S. government decided that “applications for naturalization filed by German and Italian nations will be held up for the duration of the war (“Seize”) whereas Japanese will not be considered because they are “ineligible for naturalization (“Seize”).” Another example includes the ordered that “every enemy alien and every individual of Japanese decent – whether friend or foe – is banished from the strategic areas of the coastal States (“Coast”).” This is unfair because General John L. DeWitt “will not require German and Italian families, even where the mother or father or both are aliens, to move out of prohibited military zones if they hae sons in the United States Army, Navy or Marine corps (Davies1 12).” What is more? “he ordered exceptions in cases of serious illnesses” and “permitting German and Italian aliens 70 years old or more to stay where they were.” Mayors, City Managers and police chiefs of East Bay cities also agreed that “Japanese problem should be treated separately from that involving German and Italian nationals (“800”).

Although Japanese represented 0.096% of U.S. total population, American public were scared that Japanese might cause trouble via espionage and sabotage activity. For example, Dies report alleged that Japanese residents were sending out information about American Fleet, Hawaii, Panama Canal and Los Angeles water supply to Japanese government (“Japanese Roundup 27”). Another example involves “fishing boat equipped with radio, truck gardeners near oil storage tank (“Plots”). Spy activities pose threat to the safety of the nation because it could help the Japanese government gain useful information against U.S. advantage. The mood of the nation get worst as “Federal agents uncover hundreds of rifles and revolvers, thousands of rounds of ammunition, short-wave radios and Nipponese army and navy uniform (Bruce 39).” The thought of sabotage sparks fears because it could happen anywhere at anytime. This is reinforced via typical image such as “You talk of Sacrifice...He Knew the meaning of Sacrifice” by depicting a bleeding solider hanging over an iron fence (Winchester). Another reason to be scared of the Japanese is because the Japanese Imperial Army might win the war. News such as “Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island (Daniels 27).” has American people running scared because Japan is getting closer to conquer U.S. by annexing Pacific area one by one. Images such as “Bombing of Manila” show navy yard and burn oil in heavy smoke (“Japanese Bombers”). Japanese bombing of Manila could sparks fear in the American public because it portrays Japanese power in the air and at sea, overpowering Philippine. Fear lead to radical action because one is scared of taking any chance of losing the war. Other pictures show naval disaster, such as large battleship sunk on Pearl Harbor and gigantic clouds of black smoke ascended from oil bunkers (“Pictures”). A more familiar scene depicts 3 U.S. Destroyers “Shaw”, “Cassin” and “Downes” destroyed(“U.S.”) and 13 Japanese attacking bombers flying over Oahu Island, destroying barracks and killing at least 100 soldiers (“Jap Bombers”). These scene vividly describe that Japan not only win but also at home. The thought of home is the most realistic fear because people think “I could be the very person dying at Pearl Harbor”. Another image shows scene of bombing American playground, two people injured, and smoke rising in front of the house (“Mimic”). The picture appeals to emotion because anyone could relate to the scene as “I could be that very person lying on the stretcher” or “that home could’ve been mine” It is scary because Japanese is being seen as a threat to everyday’s life, adding to the idea that extreme measure must be taken not only to safeguard one’s fear but to save other’s lives.

“800 West Coast Japanese Go to Enemy Camps As Army Maps Widened 'Prohibited' Zones.” New York Times 24 Feb. 1942: 11.

“Aliens Will Be Moved as Needed, Gen. DeWitt Replies to Opposition; 'Military Necessity' Will Be the Army's Only Guide in Evacuating the West Coast, He Declares -- Tolan Urges a Coordinator “ New York Times 2 Mar. 1942: 8.

Biddle, Francis. “Identification of Alien Enemies; Let us not Persecute these People.” Vital Speeches 8 (15 Feb. 1942): 279-80.

Broadcast #4. 7 Dec. 1941. Miller Nichols Library. Radio Newscast, UMKC. 5 Mar. 2007 <http://www.umkc.edu/lib/spec-col/ww2/PearlHarbor/ph-txt.htm>.

Broadcast #6. 7 Dec. 1941. Miller Nichols Library. Radio Newscast, UMKC. 5 Mar. 2007 <http://www.umkc.edu/lib/spec-col/ww2/PearlHarbor/ph-txt.htm>

Broadcast #7. 7 Dec. 1941. Miller Nichols Library. Radio Newscast, UMKC. 5 Mar. 2007 <http://www.umkc.edu/lib/spec-col/ww2/PearlHarbor/ph-txt.htm>

Broadcast #11. 7 Dec. 1941. Miller Nichols Library. Radio Newscast, UMKC. 5 Mar. 2007 <http://www.umkc.edu/lib/spec-col/ww2/PearlHarbor/ph-txt.htm>

Broadcast #12. 7 Dec. 1941. Miller Nichols Library. Radio Newscast, UMKC. 5 Mar. 2007 <http://www.umkc.edu/lib/spec-col/ww2/PearlHarbor/ph-txt.htm>

Bruce, John. “California gets tough; The mood of the State as war draws closer.” New York Times 15 Mar. 1942: 3+.

“Chinese public servant.” Life 11.25 (22 Dec. 1941): 81.

“Coast Japs Are Interned in Mountain Camp.” Life 12.14 (6 Apr. 1942): 15.

Daniels, Roger. Prisoners without trial: Japanese Americans in World War II. Rev ed. New York: Hill and Wang, 2004.

Daughtry, C. Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor. 7 Dec. 1941. Truman Presidential Library. 5 Mar. 2007 <http://www.umkc.edu/lib/spec-col/ww2/pearlharbor/attack- video.htm#video>.

Davies1, Lawrence E. “General and watchdog, too.” New York Times 12 Apr. 1942: 12+.

Davies2, Lawrence E. “Japanese at Work for the U.S.” New York Times 21 June 1942: 14+.

Davies3, Lawrence E. “West Coast Moves to Oust Japanese; Los Angeles 'Permits' Nipponese on City Payroll to Take Leaves of Absence.” New York Times 29 Jan. 1942: 12.

Duveneck, Frank B. “Evacuating American Citizens” Nation 9 May 1942: 154-556.

Geisel1, Theodor S. What Have You Done Today to Help Save your Country From Them? 5 Mar. 1942. A Catalog of Political Cartoons by Dr. Seuss. 5 Mar. 2007 < http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/speccoll/dspolitic/Frame.htm>.

Geisel2, Theodor S. Honorable 5th Column 13 Feb. 1942. A Catalog of Political Cartoons by Dr. Seuss. 5 Mar. 2007 <http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/speccoll/dspolitic/Frame.htm>.

Geisel3, Theodor S. Jap Alley 10 Dec. 1942. A Catalog of Political Cartoons by Dr. Seuss. 5 Mar. 2007 <http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/speccoll/dspolitic/Frame.htm>.

Hamilton, Thomas J. “Japanese Seizure Ordered by Biddle.” New York Times 8 Dec. 1941: 6.

“Holocaust.” The Holocaust. 6 March 2007. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. 6 March 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holocaust>

Hunt, Rockwell D. “Japanese Evacuation” Nation 154 (20 Jan. 1942): 722.

Iglehart, Charles. “Citizens Behind Barbed Wire” Nation 154 (6 Jan. 1942): 649-51.

“Japanese American internment.” Japanese American internment. 6 March 2007. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. 7 March 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_American_Internment>.

“Japs Bombers Aim First Blow at Oahu Base.” Life 11.24 (15 Dec. 1941): 28-29.

“Japanese Bombers Reach Manila.” Life 12.15 (13 Apr. 1942): 28-29.

“Japanese roundup; Sites for Alien Camps Sought; Dies Reveals Invasion Pattern.” Newsweek 19 (9 Mar. 1942): 27-8.

“Japanese War Crimes.” Japanese War Crimes. 6 March 2007. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. 6 March 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_war_crimes>

“Japanese Warrior.” Life 11.25 (22 Dec. 1941): 81.

Keppler, Victor. Wanted! For Murder. 1942. Powers of Persuasion Intro Page. National Archives and Records Administration. 5 March 2007 <http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/powers_of_persuasion/hes_watching_you/ima ges_html/wanted_for_murder.html>.

Macionis, John J. Society the basics. 8th ed. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc., 2005.

McWilliams, C. “California and the Japanese.” New Republic 106 (2 Mar. 1942): 295- 7.

“Mimic Invasion of Miami brings surrealist touch to America’s playground.” Life 12.12 (23 Mar. 1942): 92.

“Pictures of the Nation’s Worst Naval Disaster Show Pearl Harbor Hell.” Life 12.7 (16 Feb. 1942): 30-1.

“Plots of Japanese on Coast Revealed” New York Times 11 Dec. 1941: 24.

Roosevelt, Theodore. ”Theodore Roosevelt (December 3, 1906).” State of the Union Address – Theodore Roosevelt (December 3, 1906). 5 Mar. 2007. Information Please. 5 Mar. 2007 <http://www.infoplease.com/t/hist/state-of-the- union/118.html>.

“Seize 2,303 Aliens of Axis Nations; FBI and the military Round Up Suspects, 1,291 Japanese, 864 Germans, 147 Italians.” New York Times 11 Dec. 1941: 24.

“Short Japanese admirals.” Life 11.25 (22 Dec. 1941): 82.

Siebel. Someone Talked! 1942. Powers of Persuasion Intro Page. National Archives and Records Administration. 5 March 2007 <http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/powers_of_persuasion/hes_watching_you/ima ges_html/someone_talked.html>.

Stamp `Em Out! 1942. Powers of Persuasion Intro Page. National Archives and Records Administration. 5 March 2007 <http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/powers_of_persuasion/stamp_em_out/images_ html/stamp_em_out.html>.

“U.S. Destroyers ‘Show,’ ‘Cassin’ and ‘Downes’ Are Hit During Japanese Attack.” Life 12.7 (16 Feb. 1942): 32.

WARNING! Our Homes Are in Danger Now! 1942. Powers of Persuasion Intro Page. National Archives and Records Administration. 5 Mar. 2007 <http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/powers_of_persuasion/warning/images_html/o ur_homes_in_danger.html>.

Winchester. You Talk of Sacrifice... 1942. Powers of Persuasion Intro Page. National Archives and Records Administration. 5 March 2007 <http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/powers_of_persuasion/knew_the_meaning_of _sacrifice/images_html/talk_of_sacrifice.html>.