However, the totality of the Japanese internment is not discussed in American classrooms. Individuals who found work often suffered from underemployment and poverty.

As a result, families living in these places suffered from insufficient heating, cooling, ventilation, nutrition, education, and socialization opportunities.įollowing the war’s end, these individuals continued to experience discrimination regarding employment and housing. The centers were often created from facilities designed for animals. The majority of these people were American citizens. Over 100,000 individuals of Japanese descent were detained in internment camps. However, most people could not make these arrangements, and their livelihoods were lost completely. Many residents were given 48 hours to gather their belongings and make arrangements for the care of their businesses and properties in their absence.

Following the attack, President Franklin Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, which called for the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans for an unspecified amount of time. According to the National Archives, the bombing of Pearl Harbor contributed to the growing racism targeted toward Japanese Americans during WWII. Historical information concerning the internment of Americans of Japanese ancestry can be found in the National Archives. While it is impossible to rewind history, Takei’s goal presents as education for the public and assurance that transgressions such as these are not perpetrated against future generations. Takei’s account creates an atmosphere that extends beyond sympathy and moves into productive outrage. Takei’s presentation allows those who did not experience the events personally to view the tragedy through the lens of hindsight. The innocence displayed by the Takei children is presented in contrast to the horror of the events happening around them. Readers see how the events were received by adults, teenagers, children, and the non-Japanese public. They Called Us Enemyallows readers to view the events through the eyes of a child. Takei was a child when the bombing of Pearl Harbor took place. The story is told from the first-person point-of-view of George Takei. They Called Us Enemyfocuses on the experiences of the Takei family during the forced internment of Japanese descendants following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Takei they called us enemy