Melnick

Susan Melnick
Dr. Hendricks
LBS 375
23 March 2016
Internee Perspective on American Loyalty
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, lead to the forced relocation of of all
individuals living on the west coast of Japanese ancestry, by the government of the United
States. Consequently, at this time in history, many of loyal American citizens and their families
suffered discriminating treatment exclusively due to their Japanese heritage. In an effort to
share and enlighten, Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, documented her family experience from the
perspective a young girl, forced to relocate to Manzanar with her family. Her account includes
the controversy surrounding a requested oath of allegiance to the United States required by the
government and the subject of military service of those interned, including her older brother,
Woody. 1
Woody, born and raised in America considered himself an American. He knew nothing of his
ancestral country and felt no loyalty to Japan. Therefore, even after internment, Woody
supported the requirement to sign an oath of allegiance to the United States and when
requested, join and serve in the army supporting America in the fight against Japan. Woody
explained to his father, I am an American citizen. America is at war.2 Woody believed
cooperation with signing the oath of allegiance and his willingness to serve in the American
military provided proof of support and loyalty to his country, America. In addition, he believed
the more who assisted in the fight, the sooner America would win the war and it would end, and

1 Houston, Jeanne Wakatsuki and James D. Houston. Farewell to Manzanar. New York: Ember,
1973. p. 81-84
2 IBid. p.83

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those interned released. 3 Woodys conviction to support America and the war effort did not
waver despite the unfair, and illegal treatment of his family by the government and caused
friction with his father.
Woodys father, Ko on the other hand, disagreed in with Woodys perspective. He believed
Woody should avoid military service. After the unfair, harsh treatment their family experienced,
he thought Woody did not have the loyalty required to be an effective soldier. He feared his son
would die un-heroically, for the wrong reasons. But, He did agree with Woody on positive
response when signing the oath of allegiance due to fear that a negative response would either
get them sent to the camp for the disloyal and eventually deported. 4
I agree with Woodys point of view concerning the oath of allegiance and his willingness to join
the American military effort. Even though the government treated his family and other citizens of
Japanese ancestry unfairly, they were still Americans. He made the right choice for him; his
choice showed loyalty to a country and way of life he believed in. The best way to correct the
wrong, bestowed upon them was to prove the unfairness of the false accusations of potential
disloyalty and unwarranted fears, by showing to the United States government, fellow citizens
and they world they were true and loyal Americans.
Among the internees this topic was extremely controversial. Among the families at
Manzanar, the anti-American view grew progressively stronger as life in the camp showed little
to no improvement, and the governments lack of response to increased hostility and racism.
Moreover, the corresponding pro-Japan movement attempted to gain support, within the camp
that encouraged a no response on the oath of allegiance as a show of massive resistance.5 Ko,
did not respond well to the bullying of the pro-Japan supporters. He adamantly believed it best
to agree with the oath of allegiance rather than risk deportation. He still believed, even after all
3 Ibid. p.83
4 Ibid. p.83
5 Ibid. p.86

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the mistreatment, Japan no longer had anything better to offer him or his family, and after
America won the war, returning to his American life was their best option. At a meeting in the
mess hall with other heads of household on the subject, Ko felt compelled to present his
evaluation of the situation. Unfortunately, others did not share his perspective. 6 It is easy to
understand the controversy, many of the interned were American citizens, born and raised in
America and found it very justified to turn against a country that showed them no loyalty or
support. It took the very wise to look at the bigger picture and see past the injustice bestowed
upon them and support democracy and the true American way of life.
Woody, his father, and many others unfairly suffered great losses due to the relocation ordered
out of fear and prejudice displayed by not just fellow Americans, but also the American
government. Fortunately, many individuals of Japanese ancestry supported the American war
effort, despite the injustice bestowed upon them and eventually fought in the American military
campaigns showing great pride and loyalty. Unfortunately, the relocation program caused great
personal losses that many were never able to recover from after release. However, the most
important aspect of the situation is the eventual admission of wrongdoing by the American
government and the effort to prevent such an atrocity from occurring again in the future.

6 Ibid, p.87-88

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