They Called Us Enemy

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Find 3 details or moments in the book "They Called Us Enemy" by George Takei that shows George thinking critically about Japanese American Internment and Democracy and explain in 2-3 sentences what is going on in that part of the story, how does the detail/moment add to your understanding of story?

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On pg. 31, Tōru Takei, is described as a strong believer in American democracy and its ability to correct its mistakes.Takei is certain that their internment is only a temporary measure and that they will eventually be released. In this scene, the author illustrates the conflict between Takei's ideal of democracy and the reality in which he lives.

Another example can be found in the scene where George’s mother, Fumiko, is forced to fill out a loyalty questionnaire, renouncing her Japanese citizenship and swearing allegiance to the United States. Fumiko refuses to fill out the paperwork because she believes that it is not only unconstitutional, but it violates her rights as an American citizen as well. (pg. 52)

The final example can be found later in the book when George’s father is not only released from the internment camp but drafted into the US Army, where he works for the MIS. In this capacity, George's father's job includes translating for the Allied forces in Japan. This example also highlights the way in which Japanese Americans were able to prove their loyalty to America despite being viewed and treated like enemies of the state. (pg. 98)

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They Called Us Enemy