Question

Consider this quote from Morris Opler concerning Japanese Internment Camps: "What kind of Americanism do you call that? That's not democracy. That's not the American way, taking everything away from people. . . . Where are the Germans? Where are the Italians? Do they ask them questions about loyalty? . . ." Morris brings up the unequal treatment of Asian Americans during this time when compared with immigrants from other countries. Why do you think Japanese Americans were specifically targeted? What does this say about society at the time?

Answer 1

Answer:

Japanese Americans were targeted because Japan was an enemy of the US at the time. This shows a strong prejudice of American society with people of different ethnicities, considered enemies, even if these people were part of American society.

Explanation:

During World War II, Japan positioned itself as an enemy of the USA. This caused the American government and society to take a hard, xenophobic, violent and racist stance with all people of Asian origin who lived in the country. The problem is that these individuals were, for the most part, American citizens who were born and raised within American culture and had nothing to do with Japanese governments and attacks. This type of treatment showed how society was very racist with people of different ethnicities, even if they shared the same nationality and culture.