Japanese internment

I was deeply moved and informed about Japanese internment through the personal story of Mr. Doi. Growing up, Mr Doi explained how his life was pretty normal as an American. However, after the Japanese attack on pearl Harbor, his life quickly changed. Even though he was part of the second generation in America and he was born in the U.S., he was forced to face the Japanese prejudice during WWII just because of his Japanese facial features. It was interesting to learn that his views towards FDR were positive, and he explained that many Japanese Americans did not blame FDR for their internment under order 9066. Instead, they blamed his advisors who encouraged him to sign the act. He had 1-2 weeks to evacuate his home in California, and eventually ended up in Heart Mountain, Wyoming. A majority of the Japanese Americans interned their arrived unprepared for the freezing temperatures. Mr. Doi emphasized the importance to look at Japanese internment from a personal view. He asked us how we would feel if we were suddenly forced to evacuate our home, and only be allowed to bring only as many possessions that could fit in 1 or 2 suitcases. Clearly, this type of decision would be difficult for anyone. After the end of the war, Mr. Doi explained how he and other young Japanese Americans wanted as little to do with their Japanese culture as they could have. After all, it was their heritage that had brought all those hardships on them, and it made them feel separated in the American society. These thoughts are similar to the feelings of Jeanne Wakatsuki in the book Farewell to Manzanar. Just like Mr. Doi, she did not want to relate to Japanese culture, and she chose to participate in activities such as baton twirling. However, Mr. Doi later learned to embrace his rich culture, and learn more about his heritage. Another interesting topic Mr. Doi brought up was the concept of pan Asia we discussed in threads earlier this year. In America, people often look at all asians as being the same race with the same cultures, although in reality neighboring Asian countries are composed of different languages and cultures. Listening to the inspirational story of Mr. Doi from a personal standpoint rather than looking at the big picture, both moved me and taught me new things about Japanese internment.