The Japanese American Story As Told Through A Collection of Speeches and Articles, A Story of Hope

Although the tale of Japanese Americans' experience during World War II, when persons of Japanese heritage were wrongfully imprisoned in American concentration camps, has received considerable exposure, a large portion of the general public is unaware of it. Extreme bigotry and hate were directed at these folks. Hope was necessary for survival in order to lift some of the gloom from their life.

Some of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States arrived in the late 1800s, but the majority arrived in the early 1900s. They were young, unmarried males who came to work as workers to improve their own situation. They saw America as the "country of opportunity," where wealth could be attained. In this place where it looked that anybody might earn a lot of money by working hard, they had hope for a chance to succeed.

Even though they often encountered bigotry and discrimination, they never lost hope. Despite having lived in the United States for many years, they were not able to apply for citizenship at the time. Many people were able to get married and have families. American citizens were their offspring. They placed a strong emphasis on education, and many members of the younger generation had college degrees. However, prejudice continued to impact them, and college graduates struggled to find fulfilling employment in their respective disciplines. They continued to hold out hope that the darkness would pass and things would become better.

The Japanese Imperial Navy then bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941. Immediately, the FBI arrested and imprisoned Japanese immigrants who had been influential members of their communities. Men who ran small enterprises, were in positions of authority in their communities, were Buddhist monks, and taught Japanese were among those detained. Little to no information about where they were being transported was given to their relatives.

For all Japanese Americans and their parents who were immigrants, it was a tragic day. They were thought to be the adversary. Because the immigrant parents were native-born Americans, they believed their kids would be protected. The parents assumed it would just affect the immigrants as reports of the government's intentions to place all those of Japanese origin in camps started to spread. They had faith and hope that the government wouldn't abuse its own people in that way.

But it did take place. Men, women, and children of Japanese origin were forcefully taken from their homes on the west coast and interned in American detention camps. Until the camps, which had been quickly built in isolated and barren parts of the nation, were ready for occupation, they were held in temporary detention facilities at racetracks and fairgrounds. Hope for a better day was faint.

This period of American history is mostly covered in the book The Japanese American Story As Told Through A Collection of Speeches and Articles. Speeches and writings that were given reveal many of the unseen tales of this group of individuals. The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), a civil rights group founded to aid in the advancement of civil rights and against prejudice, and the history of Japanese Americans are both heavily represented in the book.

When darkness enters our lives, we must battle it with light, which may come through holding onto hope and refusing to give up. Finding brightness and prosperity requires adapting to whatever changes may occur. Along the route, tweaks and plan changes can be required. As it was for those who were interned in American concentration camps during World War II, it is difficult to resist darkness when it permeates so deeply into everyday life. However, optimism is able to dispel the shadows and provide brightness.

The sacrifices and patriotism of young Japanese Americans who served in the American military helped the Japanese Americans finally find prosperity and recognition following the end of World War II. The majority were members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team/100th Battalion's segregated unit.

To keep going and discover brightness when darkness appeared to rule, it takes optimism and tenacity. The experience of Japanese Americans is one of optimism, radiance, tenacity, and achievement.