Scan barcode
A review by jgverrero
They Called Us Enemy by Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott, George Takei
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
"I SEARCHED ALL MY CIVICS BOOKS AND HISTORY BOOKS...
...BUT THERE WAS NOTHING ABOUT THE INTERNMENT OF JAPANESE AMERICANS.
AS I STUDIED CIVICS AND GOVERNMENT IN SCHOOL, I CAME TO SEE THE INTERNMENT AS AN ASSAULT NOT ONLY UPON AN ENTIRE GROUP OF AMERICANS...
...BUT ON THE CONSTITUTION ITSELF.
HOW ITS GUARANTEES OF DUE PROCESS AND EQUAL PROTECTION HAD BEEN DECIMATED BY FORCES OF FEAR AND PREJUDICE...
...UNLEASHED BY UNSCRUPULOUS POLITICIANS.
I COULDN'T RECONCILE WHAT I READ IN THESE BOOKS ABOUT THE SHINING IDEALS OF OUR DEMOCRACY WITH WHAT I KNEW TO BE MY CHILDHOOD IMPRISONMENT"
This should be required reading for everyone. I absolutely loved Takei's personal voice coming out in the narrative often with his light-heartedness. He was able to tell his story through the eyes of his child self.
Most importantly, this sheds lights to American history that isn't talked about enough. Although, I knew about the Japanese concentration camps, I didn't know the leaders who instilled fear in the nation and what life actually looked like for the Japanese Americans that were dehumanized. "They Called Us Enemy" is such an easy place to start in getting familiar with this history.
I am now a fan of Mr. George Takei. I wish I had more influence of his ideals and career in my youth!
...BUT THERE WAS NOTHING ABOUT THE INTERNMENT OF JAPANESE AMERICANS.
AS I STUDIED CIVICS AND GOVERNMENT IN SCHOOL, I CAME TO SEE THE INTERNMENT AS AN ASSAULT NOT ONLY UPON AN ENTIRE GROUP OF AMERICANS...
...BUT ON THE CONSTITUTION ITSELF.
HOW ITS GUARANTEES OF DUE PROCESS AND EQUAL PROTECTION HAD BEEN DECIMATED BY FORCES OF FEAR AND PREJUDICE...
...UNLEASHED BY UNSCRUPULOUS POLITICIANS.
I COULDN'T RECONCILE WHAT I READ IN THESE BOOKS ABOUT THE SHINING IDEALS OF OUR DEMOCRACY WITH WHAT I KNEW TO BE MY CHILDHOOD IMPRISONMENT"
This should be required reading for everyone. I absolutely loved Takei's personal voice coming out in the narrative often with his light-heartedness. He was able to tell his story through the eyes of his child self.
Most importantly, this sheds lights to American history that isn't talked about enough. Although, I knew about the Japanese concentration camps, I didn't know the leaders who instilled fear in the nation and what life actually looked like for the Japanese Americans that were dehumanized. "They Called Us Enemy" is such an easy place to start in getting familiar with this history.
I am now a fan of Mr. George Takei. I wish I had more influence of his ideals and career in my youth!