The Japanese American Story As Told Through a Collection of Speeches and Articles is a book which covers much of the history of American citizens and immigrants of Japanese heritage. Many of the untold stories of this group of people are told in the speeches and articles contained in this book. These people faced much hardship and darkness in their lives. They had to be determined to find light at the end of the tunnel.
Most of the earliest immigrants from Japan arrived in the United States in the very late 1800’s and the early part of the 1900’s. They were young men coming as laborers to partake of the riches of American life. They had hopes of finding success in this “land of opportunity” where it was believed that anyone could make lots of money.
They faced discrimination and racism. After years of living in the United States where they were not allowed to become citizens and they could not own land in many areas because of their race, the men had married and had families. Their children were growing up, and some had graduated from college. Education was stressed by the immigrant parents. However, many of these college graduates could not find jobs in their chosen fields even after having degrees because no one would hire them.
Still, these young Americans had great hope. That came to a halt when the Imperial Navy of Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Darkness came into the world and most certainly to the lives of the Japanese Americans.
When darkness comes, it is necessary to search for the light. Looking for the good and keeping hope alive is necessary to overcome the darkness of life. Adapting well to whatever changes come to us is essential in finding success. Making the adjustments necessary may make the difference in accomplishing something worthwhile and wasting the time with no progress.
It is not an easy thing to overcome darkness when it is permeating so heavily in daily life. It is a much simpler route to give in and perhaps give up. Keeping a positive attitude during extreme dark times is difficult. It is a simple concept which can be quite promising.
There was a lot of darkness for Japanese Americans when they were unjustly incarcerated in camps during World War II. They needed to find the light within to be able to endure the treatment they received from their own government. They had to try to have a pleasant and bright outlook during dismal times. That is something that everyone may need to do to survive and thrive.
Using extra time in the evenings when daylight is no longer available may be a good way to find some light from the darkness by spending time at something which could be lucrative and beneficial. Finding light at the end of the tunnel was difficult, but the Japanese Americans worked hard and persevered until they found the light.