Citizen 13660: Mine Okubo

This story for no logical reason reminds me of "A Long Days Journey into Night", probably because it's short burst of a story on each page which is how I feel the above mentioned book was (although the above book is a very short story). Citizen 13660 is a very quick read, but full of a lot of information, most of which makes you feel like pulling up google. Evacuation order #19 orders all Japanese regardless of citizenship in the United States to be sent to camps (which is interesting because also very much like the German camps the United States protest). Two thirds of Japanese individuals sent to camps were citizens (pg. 16). What a startling number and unimaginable. People today get mad if they feel any of their personal space is being invaded and shout for their rights, now imagine havign every inch of your personal space invaded because someone of the same cultural background did something.

13660 is the family number given to Mine and her brother (pg. 19). Mine and her brother are sent together as a family of two and through some debate are allowed to live together. Camp life is very hard, everything needs to be sought through hardship or waited in line for. Eventually the Tranforan Camp individuals decide they want to self govern themselves and try to have that allowed, but nothing comes of it. Which is odd to me because they live in a camp because of their national heritage and lost all rights, but some how thought they could get their own government?

Eventually Mine and her brother are moved to the Utah Central Relocation Project, another camp. This would be the last camp for each. Eventually they would both get out because they were considered loyal after examination and found jobs. This entire book is such a startling situation. I have been aware of this event in history, but I still find it mind boggling. Everything in these camps from eating together, working on the camps, going to the bathroom together, and showering together is the same as the German camps. Except when the Japanese showered they surivived. This also reminds me of our current situation. Since Septemeber 11th there has been this fear expressed in the media of Muslims. It seems that through history for any event that arises someone of some cultural decent will be found to blame and all those associated with that culture or heritage will be found at fault as well.