How does life at Manzanar reflect the asian background of the people who are interned there? How did it reflect their identity as Americans?
Life at Manzanar, one of the ten Japanese-American internment camps during World War II, provides insights into how the Asian background of the internees influenced their experiences, as well as how it reflected their identity as Americans. To understand this, we can examine historical accounts, firsthand testimonies, and scholarly analysis.
To begin, we need to research primary and secondary sources that shed light on life at Manzanar and the experiences of the Japanese-Americans interned there. Primary sources include personal diaries, photographs, and official documents from that period, while secondary sources encompass books, articles, and scholarly works that provide perspectives based on historical analysis.
By reviewing these sources, we can understand how the Asian background of the Japanese-Americans influenced various aspects of life at Manzanar. For example, the internment experience reflected cultural values, traditions, and practices rooted in Asian backgrounds.
1. Cultural Practices: Researching firsthand testimonies and accounts can offer insights into how Japanese cultural practices and traditions persisted within the internment camp. This could include events like traditional tea ceremonies, ikebana (flower arrangements), or communal activities such as bon odori dances. These practices served as a way for the internees to maintain their cultural identity despite being confined to the camp.
2. Language and Education: Examining sources related to education within the camp can help understand how the Japanese language, literature, and history were taught and preserved. Schools within the internment camps often offered Japanese language classes, and internees established educational institutions to foster a sense of cultural continuity.
3. Arts and Crafts: Investigating sources discussing arts and crafts created in the camps can reveal how Japanese artistic traditions were sustained. Examples may include origami, calligraphy, and the creation of art that conveyed experiences and emotions related to internment.
Furthermore, it is essential to understand how life at Manzanar reflected the internees' identity as Americans, despite the discriminatory practices they faced. While the internment experience challenged their sense of belonging, many internees actively supported the United States and endeavored to demonstrate their loyalty.
1. Patriotism and Military Service: Exploring accounts of Japanese-Americans who served in the United States military during the war can illustrate their commitment to American citizenship. The formation of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, composed primarily of Japanese-Americans, and their exemplary combat record testify to their dedication to their country.
2. Resistance and Advocacy: Investigating instances of resistance within the camps reveals how internees asserted their American identity and fought against unjust treatment. Some internees challenged discriminatory policies through legal cases, protests, and the publication of newsletters or newspapers within the camps.
Ultimately, delving into primary and secondary sources related to Manzanar and the internment experience can provide a nuanced understanding of how life at the camp reflected both the Asian backgrounds of the internees and their unique American identities.
If you have read Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston's book, Farewell to Manzanar, you'd have no problem answering these questions.
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