Introduction
The most impactful lesson I took away from watching the Japanese-American Internment in World War II documentary was the terrible toll that racism and prejudice take on the lives of innocent individuals. The documentary shows the effects of the American government’s choice to intern more than 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II, most of whom were U.S. citizens (History, 2017).
Discussion
The government used the erroneous notion that Japanese-Americans posed a danger to the country’s security to justify the internment. It took years to rebuild the lost things, companies, homes, and social connections due to this choice. The most important takeaway from the film was the necessity of opposing racism and discrimination in all of its manifestations.
Textbooks and the video segment both highlight how the government mistreats minorities during periods of war. The video furthers this point by illustrating how the confinement of Japanese Americans infringes on their civil rights through the personal accounts of those affected (History, 2017). Furthermore, both sources demonstrate how the relocation had an enduring effect on those impacted. The video shows how the government’s decision affected Japanese Americans’ and their families’ livelihoods, social lives, and emotional well-being.
This footage got me thinking about how bias and prejudice can ruin people’s lives regardless of whether they have done anything wrong. The video emphasizes how a group experienced prejudice and discrimination based only on ethnicity (History, 2017). The fight against racism and discrimination is an ongoing struggle, and it’s critical to speak out for those being mistreated, as this film serves as a reminder. The documentary also makes me ponder how the government currently treats minorities and whether or not people are taking sufficient steps to safeguard their civil liberties. This video motivates me to examine my prejudices and preconceptions in my own life and strive to build a more welcoming and inclusive society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite the harsh conditions the Japanese Americans were subjected to, they still established a sense of community and helped each other by developing themselves and serving the country. It serves as a poignant reflection of the need to combat inequality and bigotry in its manifestations. The material in textbooks about the internment of Japanese Americans is related to this video, which demonstrates the lasting effects of the government’s decision on those people’s lives. Communities only thrive entirely when there is equality among all residents by forging a sense of togetherness.
Reference
History. (2017). Japanese-American Internment During WWII | History [Video]. YouTube. Web.