They Called Us Enemy

I went from seeing red to seeing rainbows, all thanks to this. So, yeah, I'm calling it a success. George Takei can truly highlight the hypocrisy that was the Japanese internment camps.

Overview

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The United States gathered its citizens who had Japanese heritage and put them in internment camps. While not as horrific as Nazi internment camps, it was still a crime against United States citizens. George Takei, known for his role in the original Star Trek series, was among these citizens. He spent years of his childhood in these camps.

George Takei chronicles the experiences he and his family endured during and as a result of the internment camps. The graphic novel provides a deeply personal look at the hardships, discrimination, and injustices faced by Takei and his family. As well as the resilience and strength of the Japanese American community.

Positives

The art provided by Harmony Becker exemplifies the fear, confusion, and hope experienced by the characters.

Considering the age range of George throughout the novel, the authors did a great job with altering perceptions. Especially when processing trauma, which this is, we tend to "reframe" our memories as we grow and gain new information. The authors did a great job of keeping child George's innocent perspective while adding a "flash forward" to show how he looks back on it.

Negatives

Really, the only critique that I could see being made is that if you are looking for a deep dive into the internment camps or prejudice against Japanese Americans, you won't find this here. But that's intentional, it's made to be an introduction, an awareness of the events. In the end, it's a carefully laid out and expertly executed story. It pulls on your emotions, just like a great story should.

Recommendations

This is a 5-star book that I will continue to cherish. I am grateful George Takei was able to share his story with us. It's beautiful to see how, with his father's guidance, he was able to use these experiences to fight for change and continue to mold this country into the great nation it could be. We have never been great; someone has always been held down while others attain the "American Dream." George Takei still believes that this country can be great despite all the bad that's been done.

Comments

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