Comments on: Manzanar: “Never Again” Released – Video by Ken Burns: Watch It Here!

By: Ted Miller

Ted Miller — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 01:13:25 +0000

Great documentary. I think we are fortunate to live in a country where such can be made, and where such things are seen as a mistake. I want to mention that Italian-Americans and German-Americans were also cracked down on, though nowhere near as much as Japanese-Americans. Most of that happened in California, though German-Americans in central Texas are still angry about the loss of their schools (those few who are old enough to remember and still alive). German-American communities were vibrant before the war, you’ll find few traces of them today.

By: John

John — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:22:00 +0000

Wow! its amazing how ALL of this is excluded from US History books!

By: nob shimokochi

nob shimokochi — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 21:45:51 +0000

When I was languishing on a cot with a straw matress, I was troubled and puzzled. I learned that the Constitution and the Bill of Rights guaranteed my civil rights. What am I doing here in a Concenration camp? Even after 65+ years, whenever I see the words Constitution or Bill of Rights I think of concentration camps. The two always go together in my memory.

Every morning in home room we had to recite the Pledge of Allegiance while saluting it with outstretched right arm. When we got to “…with liberty and justice for all.” I used to mumble “with liberty and justice for some.” I said “some” softly so no one would report me to the FBI. I was fearful of the FBI because they made thousands of people disappear and I didn’t want to disappear.

By: Jamie Mayeda

Jamie Mayeda — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 20:32:30 +0000

I’m on the same page as Sam Ishida.

By: Gann Matsuda

Gann Matsuda — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 19:23:02 +0000

What are your thoughts about the terminology used now that you’re older and wiser?

By: Jamie Mayeda

Jamie Mayeda — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 16:35:21 +0000

In 1986, when I was a sophomore in high school, my social studies teacher vehemently corrected my use of the word “concentration” when paired with “camp” in my paper describing my parents’ and grandparents’ experience in the Rohwer, Arkansas concentration camp. He said that I was wrong for using the word “concentration” and that the more accurate description should have been either internment or relocation camp. Although I don’t remember the score he gave my paper, I will not forget the anger in his voice as he spoke to me.

By: Toyoo Nitake

Toyoo Nitake — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:51:09 +0000

The story of Sue Kumitomi should be produced in a film documentary for young people to learn what one person can accomplish. I knew Sue and she was the engine of the Manzanar movement that opened doors to all other camps for historical information. I attended her early pilmgrimage that people came in charter buses from universities. Hope Sue will get the support and recognition that she deserves.
Sue’s narration was similar to my experience so I relived it as I read it. I did not tell my son’s about it as I thought it might be negative influence to their life.

By: Jane Yamashita

Jane Yamashita — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:14:48 +0000

In regards to the above comment, my husband was interned as an infant with his three year old sister (what a threat they must have been) and their parents.

By: Jane Yamashita

Jane Yamashita — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:02:36 +0000

I am married to a Japanese American man. My parents, Caucasian mother-Hawaiian father lived in California during the war. My father was a merchant marine at the time. My parents were very unique and were called communists because they wanted the girls in our school to have the same opportunities as the boys. Knowing this, I asked them why they went along with the internment of the Japanese people. My mother told me that the government said that it would be safer for her children and for the Japanese people to be “protected”. My point, even the well educated “left leaning people” of that era got duped by the media and government of that time period. We mustn’t be duped again about any race or religion.

By: Penny Vredenburg

Penny Vredenburg — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:45:38 +0000

As frustrated that I am at the unfair, hurtful and undeserved treatment the US chose to impose upon their own American people during WW2, I need to make it very clear that I would not move to another country – ever. I’ve had the privilege of living is several different countries and though I do not agree with all the laws and rules and regs that America imposes on us as citizens, American is still the very best country in the world.