Japanese Americans and Intergenerational Trauma Not a Thing of the Past

    When one walks around campus it's hard not to notice the wide variety of ethnicities that are present on any given day. Our diversity is what defines us and how people view us, thus many judgements are based on the exterior. Our generation lives in a time that is much more tolerant of differences than that of our parents and grandparents. In the article titled, "Generations of Japanese Americans were scarred by WWII internments" it highlights the issues of historical trauma and how many Japanese Americans are growing accustomed to an American way of life, albeit with daily struggles of identity and purpose. Many of the characterizations of immigrants were based on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership," leading to an older generation's submission to imposed social ecologies.

    It's easy to see how difficulties would arise for a Japanese American family living in America during a time of war against their people. Some were even imprisoned when FDR issued Executive Order 9066. The article states that the children of those who were imprisoned lived in a legacy of silence and unspoken insecurity as they searched for their place in America. Some felt shame and fear, and others dealt with depression as their past continued to label them in the present. In the article, Nagata stated "among the Sensei in my interviews, some said they inherited a sense of shame about being Japanese. There was something negative in the identity." On the other hand, the children of those who were NOT imprisoned did not feel this sense of insecurity. These are the ones who did not have a daily reminder of WWII and its effects on their parents/grandparents.

    As America delves into a country of diversity and acception, intergenerational historical trauma will hopefully begin to subside for those who feel they are still experiencing the effects of the past. When it comes IGHT I believe that time is a good cure, conjoined with an accepting understanding of others will help alleviate the problem. Our generation does not have this pain to overcome so lets not create a problem out of nothing so our children may not have to experience IGHT in their lives.

Article: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/19/4274670/a-pain-that-persists-generations.html