Prejudice in Times of War

Fear has often been a catalyst for intolerance, especially during times of conflict. The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II serves as a stark reminder of how quickly communities can turn against their own. Examining these narratives reveals the personal and societal impacts of such prejudice, shedding light on the complexities of fear and acceptance in our own time.

1. Read
   Internment of Japanese Americans · Wikipedia

   Traces the forced relocation and incarceration of around 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II, initiated by Executive Order 9066. About two-thirds of those interned were U.S. citizens, reflecting the deep-seated prejudice of the era.

2. Read
   

   How the Trauma of Japanese Internment Can Help Us Understand Today's Immigration Struggles · Greater Good Magazine

   Describes how Satsuki Ina and her family overcame the trauma of internment to advocate for current immigrants and refugees facing detention. Ina emphasizes the importance of storytelling in healing and understanding shared struggles.

3. Watch
   

   Why the US photographed its own WWII concentration camps · YouTube

   Looks at the photographs Dorothea Lange took of Japanese Americans being removed to the camps, which the War Relocation Authority impounded for the duration of the war and which were not widely seen again until 1972. The images later became part of the redress movement that led to reparations under the Civil Liberties Act of 1988.

4. Book
   

   The Art of Keeping Cool · Bookshop.org

   Explores the challenges faced by a young boy during WWII as he navigates family secrets and societal prejudice against Germans. The narrative illustrates how fear and intolerance can manifest even in childhood friendships and family dynamics.

The selected pieces collectively illustrate the devastating effects of fear-driven prejudice during World War II, particularly against Japanese Americans. Starting with a historical overview, the curation transitions into personal narratives that connect past injustices to contemporary issues surrounding immigration and identity. The emotional depth of these stories is further emphasized through visual media, culminating in a literary exploration of childhood experiences amid societal turmoil. Together, they provide a comprehensive understanding of how fear can fracture communities and shape individual lives.

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