In the graphic novel, “They Called Us Enemy,” it is a story about George Takei and his family. His family values love and loyalty. They would do anything to stay together, even if it meant sacrificing their rights as a citizen and human being. This story takes place in the United States during World War II. His parents are born in Japan and are U.S. citizens but have been deemed as “spies” since they were Japanese. They were then put into relocation centers under the Executive Order 9066 president Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented. Life behind the barbed wires was terrible. The relocation centers were in isolated areas made with makeshift materials and surrounded by armed guards constantly. They were treated like livestock, they lived in unsanitary barracks and had no say in anything. The government justified this action by saying it was a national security, even though it broke many constitutional rights of the many Japanese-Americans. Despite all that, many Japanese-Americans have never been found doing any espionage activities whatsoever. Instead, during the time they were a large minority. Meaning, they are an easy target to attack and put the blame on for World War II.
Photo by Ansel Adams on Library of Congress – Japanese Americans lining up outside of mess hall waiting for their food.
While reading this graphic novel it reminded me of what happened in 2020. During the year 2020, the pandemic had just started and everyone was told to stay indoors and to be constantly six feet away from others. I remember I was in my room scrolling across social media apps and I stumbled upon a video where an Asian lady who was an Asian American, was on the subway and faced prejudice just because she was Asian. Some passengers told her to go back to her country and that she was the cause of the pandemic. She was a minority and was unable to fight back at the rude comments other passengers were spewing. All she could do was remain silent holding onto her kids, afraid that if she were to say something it could lead to something worse. That being said, 1/3 of Asian Americans have been personally threatened due to the coronavirus pandemic. In 2021 it increasingly grew and in 2022 it jumped to an all time high.
Nonetheless, some ways to prevent Asian prejudice is to support movement groups. An example of this would be, Asian American Advancing Justice, a movement group that advocates for Asian Americans striving towards the American Dream. Their goal is to advance more rights for Asian Americans and to build an environment where they could live comfortably. By supporting movement groups like these, it helps prevent Asian prejudice in our society and spreads awareness so no Asian will feel like a minority. It helps bring our community together as a whole and ensures that Asian Americans are able to live alongside everyone else pleasantly.
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