JAPANESE INTERNMENT CAMPS
Finding Out The Truth
By Emma Michelson
Background
From the years 1941-1945 the Japanese were taken aways from their life and homes and sent away to internment camps. They were treated cruelly and inhumanely. The government did not want the public to know this so they created fake propoganda to justify their awful actions.
THE FAKE COVER: The Lies Fed To The Public
Fun At Camp
Camp activities are plentiful for the Japanese. It is almost like a real summer camp! They have lots of privileges and don't mind being away. The people have a lot of freedom and are very happy here.
Neighborly Love
The neighbors of the Japanese were sad to see them go and pleasant at their return. The Japanese are lucky that the United States is such an accepting country.
Love Of Our Country
The Japanese will forever love and be loyal to the United States, though they are secluded in a camp. Only a few worship the emperor and they know their internment is for the greater good of the country. They are proud to be citizens of the USA.
False vs. True
The pictures above and accompanying captions were not true at all, however. Behind the scenes, awful things were going on.
THE TRUTH: What Was Really Going On
Fenced In
The Japanese-Americans were fenced in much like prisoners are when they commit crimes. They were given practically no freedom, even though they did nothing wrong. These people lived like this for many years. Contrasting the dancing picture, it's obvious these people are not having fun and are not at all happy.
Unwanted
Very few neighbors or townspeople wanted the Japanese to live near them. They treated hem poorly and did not acknowledge their absence or return at all. People who used to be friends neglected to even say goodbye to these families or write. They were also blatantly rude to the Japanese people, as this picture shows. This contrasts the picture of the men shaking hands because it is clear that the Japanese did not have a strong bond with their neighbors and were not treated well.
Living in Fear
The dislike of people of Japanese ancestry grew so great that the Japanese were constantly fearful of being attacked. Everywhere they looked they saw signs of people not wanting them. Contrasting the American flag picture, these people don't look proud of their country and how it treats them.