Message from nperkins

[Anonymous]

This museum was very informative. I liked the way the Docent described the whole relationship of the Japanese in America, It was interesting to find out that during some times in our history the Japanes worker was protected by their government , If the Japanese did not approve of their pay rate and working conditions they were called home.
Of course the thing that really impressed was their detailed stories of life in a internment camp. I first learned about the camps in my seventh grade history class. I was shocked. I coulsn't understand how I could have been taught this many years of history without hearing a word about this horror we incurred upon the Japanese-American people. I felt I somehow took a right turn and found myself in Germany or Russia. This was not my America. It is important for every child to learn all American history , not just the shiney glossy parts. This museum does just that. However, it does not come at it by , "you horrible nasty Americans did this to us." Instead they reflect that all humans can be capable of great injustices . However, they also can be good and caring. Our Docent told of the many non-Japanese Americans that allowed the Japanese-Americans to sell their houses to them for a minimal amount. This would prevent the government from taking possession of it. Then after they were released from the camps they were given back their homes.
I learned alot from the miniture incampment that had been created at Heart Mountain Buarracks in Wyoming. The Docent told us how the temperature could drop to -32 degrees. Most of these people lived in a warmer climate so they were usually freezing to death. He explained how they could take very few possessions with them and if they needed something they had to make it themselves. Their living spaces were very small and the walls were literally paper. Rain and snow was not kept out. I saw what a herrendous experience this was and knew whatever the government did once they can repeat. Look how ugly things became after 9-11. That is why all Southern Californians should see this museum.