Comparison of 2 Ethnic Groups

Chapter four of Double Victory: A Multicultural History of America in World War II written by Ronald Takaki describes the struggles of Native Americans before World War II and during the war. On the homefront Native Americans were treated poorly, but gradually white Americans began to tolerate them more as time went on. When they first arrived on the reservations after the Long Walk, they felt ashamed and were treated as if they were scum. They were losing their land to foreigners. Yet as time went on, the living situation on the reservation began to improve. For example, schools were improving, white people were training to be traders and farmers, and their rights were respected by the government. As the war, went on, Native Americans started

Before pearl harbor, Japanese Americans contributed greatly to America. They obeyed laws and were friendly and trusted people. After pearl harbor, and the rumor that there were Japanese spies, their reputations were ruined. Many lost their homes and businesses. They were sent to internment camps where many died or were treated horribly.

Native Americans, or Indians, as they were mistakenly called, have been the “pathetic footnotes to the main course of American history” (Axtell 981). But James Axtell, the author of Colonial America without the Indians: Counterfactual Reflections, would beg to differ. He says that instead, Indians played a key role in making America great. James Murray gives another term to describe America’s greatness: America’s “exceptionalism.” Throughout his article Axtell makes many points as to why Indians played a vital role in “American Exceptionalism”. He even says that America wouldn’t have been colonized nearly as soon if the Indians were gone, because Columbus would know he was not in the Indies and move on. So because they simply existed in the first place, Axtell says they were significant in the history of our country. Furthermore, he says Indians specifically played a vital role in the exceptionality of America’s early economy, culture, and historical events and places.

Although radical views still faced the Japanese during this time there outcome lessened in the years after the war. Japanese Americans in the military would show much heroism overseas redeeming the name of their people in the United States. Although the Japanese brought no civil upheaval it was learned after the war their true patriotism for the nation as many remained in the country that imprisoned them for three long years.

World War II was the deadliest worldwide conflict in history. It was estimated to cause over 70 million fatalities.(NEED SOURCE) What many people may not consider though, is how World War II affected people's inner self, not just casualties. In Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand, Louis “Louie” Zamperini suffered imprisonment, beatings and is neglected essential/basic human rights. Like so many other American prisoners of war (POWs), Zamperini is dehumanized and his dignity is taken away. Japanese-Americans were also treated equally horribly during World War II. After Pearl Harbor was bombed, Japanese-Americans were forced into internment camps throughout the United States. Miné Okubo was among these citizens who were unjustly accused/judged and mistreated. Zamperini and Okubo alike resisted the attempts in World War II camps to make them feel dehumanized and isolated.

Fighting a war against the oppression and persecution of a people, how hypocritical of the American government to harass and punish those based on their heritage. Magnifying the already existing dilemma of discrimination, the bombing of Pearl Harbor introduced Japanese-Americans to the harsh and unjust treatment they were forced to confront for a lifetime to come. Wakatsuki Ko, after thirty-five years of residence in the United States, was still prevented by law from becoming an American citizen.

Native Americans were once the only inhabitants of America, but today, while still technically around, they are really only a minority. Despite this, their influence is still evident in many of the values and overall culture that modern Americans have held, and continue to hold, close. In fact, a lot of the United States’ government systems are heavily inspired by, if not entirely based upon, the Iroquois in particular.

Japanese-American’s before World War II were treated not good but not bad in the United States, even at the start of the war they were still treated the same. It wasn’t until the Japanese’s attack on December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor that everything changed for them. They were looked down on and that they were un-American to most Americans at the time and were treated very poorly. They were forced to live in a interment camp throughout the duration of the war and work there. No one really cared that they were being brought to camps to live except for some people that would eventually help them while their time in the camp and donate to them. The American government actions after this event changed every Japanese-Americans life forever.

Which Group Contributed the Most to American Society and Culture? Explain your answer using specific examples from the lesson.

The relocation and imprisonment of Japanese Americans during World War II has been and always will be a dark stain in American History. Due to America’s lingering racism and prejudices, many of our fellow Americans had to experience an ordeal that no other American should ever have to face. They lost their homes, businesses, land and more importantly, their freedoms, during a moment of time that was filled with resentment, mistrust, fear and hatred towards a fellow man (American) that was just as willing to fight and die for their country.

The history of Indians in the America is very enriching as it contains many efforts of the ancestors of the Asian Indians who firstly migrated to American.

Another example of the price paid for success is the superiority complex brings intolerance and prejudice.

What is ethnicity and why does it matter? Ethnicity is; “the fact or state of belonging to a social group that has a common national or cultural tradition.” Our dreams and opinions create meaning about race and ethnicity, and plays an important role in shaping the way we understand race and ethnicity as part of our identity, our social institutions, our history, and our everyday lives. Often used mutually, race is a way of classifying individuals and groups on the analysis of physical characteristics, mainly one’s skin color. Ethnicity lays out one’s place of origin or nationality, one’s ancestry or cultural background``, one’s language and by extension, one’s belief system. Nevertheless, how does this affect how the authors ethical impacted

African Americans were discriminated against even though they were serving their country. Like we discussed in class, some African Americans were lynched in public while dressed in their military uniform. Many were severely beaten almost to death. They were treated with no respect. As I looked through my notes I found that African Americans were grouped together in combat and often were given missions that could have been considered suicidal. Although the blacks were treated poorly, it seems that the Japanese Americans got the raw end of the deal during the war.

Discuss the similarities and differences between race and ethnicity and give and give an example of each.