Stereotypes Of Japanese Americans During World War II

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During World War II, the American perception of Japanese Americans was mainly influenced by the fear and prejudice of the time. The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, led the United States into a period of war with Japan, and this led the nation to lots of suspicion and hostility towards the Japanese Americans. The government was also fueled by concerns about nationwide security and made well-known policies that led to the relocation and internment of Japanese Americans. The American perception of Japanese Americans during this period was mainly sought through the fear spread throughout the nation, how propaganda portrayed Japanese Americans, and the voices that had an impact on the Japanese American community. The attack on Pearl Harbor caused the world to shock and fear across the …show more content…

The government's response to the threat was Executive Order 9066 in 1942, which authorized the forced removal and internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans living on the West Coast. For instance, one source states, “Under our laws, aliens of enemy nationality who are found guilty of acts or intentions against the security of the Nation are being confined in internment camps”, which shows the perception of how America thought the Japanese were a threat. Another example, eight sources state, “A number of separate and distinct security measures have been instituted under the broad authority thus delegated, and future events may demand the initiation of others.” This is content with the idea that America wanted a safe nation but Japanese Americans withhold from that. This policy was justified as a necessary measure to protect the country from potential sabotage. The American perception of Japanese Americans during this time was heavily influenced by propaganda and media portrayals. Newspapers and magazines referred to Japanese Americans as dangerous, sneaky, and

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