How have Japanese Americans in Manzanar tried to recreate a “normality, a sense of some things continuing”? Why have they done so?
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To understand how Japanese Americans in Manzanar tried to recreate a sense of normality during their internment, we need to explore the historical context and the challenges they faced.
Manzanar was one of the ten internment camps where Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated during World War II. This relocation was a result of Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942. The goal was to remove Japanese Americans from the West Coast due to fears of espionage and sabotage, despite the vast majority being loyal citizens.
While incarcerated in Manzanar, Japanese Americans faced numerous hardships. They were uprooted from their homes, stripped of their possessions, and subjected to harsh living conditions in the camp. However, even in this difficult environment, they made efforts to create a sense of normality and continuity.
One way Japanese Americans in Manzanar recreated a sense of normality was by organizing schools. They established educational institutions within the camp to ensure that children received an education. This provided a familiar routine and helped maintain a sense of normalcy for both children and parents.
Additionally, the Japanese Americans in Manzanar formed community organizations and clubs. These groups allowed them to preserve cultural traditions, engage in recreational activities, and provide mutual support. By establishing such organizations, they fostered a sense of solidarity and continuity within the community.
Another way they recreated a semblance of normality was through the cultivation of gardens. Despite the harsh conditions and limited resources, Japanese Americans in Manzanar transformed barren land into small gardens. Gardening provided a connection to their ancestral culture, a source of nourishment, and a form of therapy amidst the difficult circumstances.
They also organized social events and celebrations. Japanese Americans held traditional ceremonies, festivals, and performances to mark important occasions and maintain cultural traditions. These events helped to create a sense of normality and community identity within Manzanar.
These efforts to recreate a sense of normality in Manzanar were driven by the Japanese Americans' resilience, desire for self-expression, and the need to preserve their cultural heritage. By maintaining familiar routines, engaging in cultural practices, and establishing community structures, they sought to preserve their identity and find solace amidst the challenging circumstances of internment.