They Called Us Enemy

They Called Us Enemy

Juvenile graphic novel
Many people know of George Takai for his role in the series Star
Trek. Others may have heard of his social justice work. But probably
not many know of a pivotal period of his childhood, one he shares with
younger readers in his They Called Us Enemy.
When George was four Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. The United
States declared war against Japan. Prejudice against people of
Japanese ancestry, even those who had been born in the United States
flared up. Executive Order 9066 authorized their removal from
military areas. They lost their homes and businesses and all other
possessions beyond what they could carry. George and his parents and
siblings were among the legions transported to relocation camps.
In the graphic novel's powerful blend of words and pictures,
They Called Us Enemy shows readers the relocation experience through
the eyes of a child. It combines the experience of having all but
family stolen with the innocence and joys of childhood. It can help
kids understand what Japanese youngsters experienced back in the day...
...and immigrant children and families are enduring in the 21st
century.
On a purrrsonal note, Friday was one messy, sleety, snowy day. UMaine
was cancelled. Eugene told me I would be crazy to bus anywhere in
that. But after he got done with sleeping off his all night plowing
he gave me a ride. At Hannaford I was able to buy baking stuff and
iron rich cereal. We went to Goodwill for the first time since it's
renovations. It looks great--a lot more organized and classy. I got
a bunny shirt for a friend, cat toys for Tobago, and a journal with a
cloth cover and sequin unicorn for me. The only bummer of the day was
I'd planned to bring my laptop on campus to work on the PowerPoint I'm
doing with two classmates. I lost a day I couldn't afford to lose.
A great big shout out goes out to Eugene and the other blizzard
battlers and my blizzard buddy cats past (Joey) and present (Tobago)
jules hathaway


Sent from my iPod