Hosokawa’s book title, Title II repeal and the Cincinnati convention

Vol. 69, No. 11, September 12, 1969. 6 pages. View this issue

A dispute over the title of William Hosokawa’s history of the Japanese in America led the news. The JACL Japanese History Project Committee accepted the publisher’s choice of ‘Quiet American’, though objections to the stereotype continued, and the Ethnic Concern Committee asked the National JACL Board to make the final call. National JACL President Jerry Enomoto’s opening message to the joint EDC-MDC convention in Cincinnati, “Meeting Today’s Needs,” also ran on page one. Mike Masaoka and Enomoto each wrote about the convention itself.

Repeal of Title II of the 1950 Internal Security Act drew support from Chicago, Culver City and the San Francisco Nikkei Lions. Page 3 also reports that the Noguchi defense fund closed at $47,251.56, and that Y. Philip Hayasaka was named to head Seattle’s new human rights department. Bill Hosokawa, Harry K. Honda, Alan Kumamoto and Roger Nikaido wrote the commentary columns.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• Hosokawa Book Title Settled But Not Furor, page 1. The JACL Japanese History Project Committee accepted the publisher’s use of the title ‘Quiet American’ for William Hosokawa’s book on the Japanese in America, despite objections that it perpetuated a negative stereotype. The Ethnic Concern Committee urged the National JACL Board to make the final decision given the controversy and possible violent reactions.
• Model Convention, by Jerry Enomoto, page 2. Enomoto recounts his travels to the joint EDC-MDC convention in Cincinnati and describes the program’s workshops, speakers, and banquet. He credits the local hosts and the new district officers for a successful gathering.

Commentary

• Meeting Today’s Needs, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. JACL National President Jerry Enomoto reflects on the organization’s progress and growing relevance, citing its civil rights work and community efforts. He outlines qualities JACL needs to remain effective, including alertness to injustice, understanding of youth, and concern with the system.
• EDC-MDC Convention Hailed for Igniting Individual Involvement, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. The joint Eastern and Midwestern District JACL Council convention in Cincinnati, themed ‘Igniting Individual Involvement,’ drew strong participation and frank workshop exchanges. The writer praises the hosting chapters and the speakers, including Mike Yamaki, Ray Uno, and Dr. David Miura.
• Doing What Comes Naturally, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa observes that Japanese Americans hold a wide range of opinions and that ethnic ties no longer bind the Nisei as strongly as before. He urges tolerance among Nisei with differing views, even as intramural disagreements generate heat.
• Editor’s Desk, by Harry K. Honda, page 6. Honda notes that summer 1969 has been far calmer than 1968, with fewer riots, though racial polarization and grievances remain. He warns that the time gained must be used to fulfill the promises of American life or cities may again erupt.
• Conflicting Historical Traditions, page 6. The editorial compares the Protestant-Catholic conflict in Northern Ireland to conflicting historical traditions, drawing parallels with the older and younger Japanese American generations. It cites Bernadette Devlin’s call for justice and warns against letting the situation become an irreparable tragedy.
• Morning Poker, by East Wind, page 6. The columnist describes the crowded Tokyo subway during morning commutes, comparing the crush of riders to a card game. The humorous account highlights the difficulties of commuting in the city’s rush hours.
• How Glad I Am, by Alan Kumamoto, page 6. Kumamoto reflects on the diversity of Japanese American youth and the danger of generalizing about them. He describes recent youth leadership gatherings in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest and the individual engagement they fostered.
• Foul Play, by Roger Nikaido, page 6. Nikaido uses an extended football game metaphor to examine race relations and the way minorities are pitted against one another. He suggests the tactics of the game reflect real-life situations in which groups are stereotyped and degraded.

National

• Nisei Local Dope Kings Arrested, page 1. Honolulu police and federal agents arrested 36 people over the Aug. 22-24 weekend in their largest drug haul, including alleged local kingpins. U.S. Attorney Robert Fukuda said the heroin and other drugs were coming from Asia and the Mainland.

Community

• Hayakawa Billed for 1969 CCDC Confab, page 3. S. I. Hayakawa of San Francisco State College will be keynote speaker at the Central California District Council convention set for Nov. 22-23 at the Hacienda Hotel in Fresno. The convention will include a fashion show and banquet, completing the itinerary of the three California JACL district councils.
• Chicago Title II Repeal Committee in Campaign, page 3. The Chicago JACL Committee to Repeal Title II has sent letters to the Illinois congressional delegation seeking support for repeal. Several congressmen responded, and NBC and CBS News were contacted about possibly assisting by showing footage of the 1942 evacuation.
• Nikkei Lions Vote to Support Title II Repeal, page 3. The San Francisco Nikkei Lions unanimously voted to support passage of S.1872 and HR 11825 to repeal Title II of the 1950 Internal Security Act. The action followed a resolution presented by club first vice president Fred Abe.
• Noguchi Defense Fund Totals $47,250, page 3. The JUST Committee closed the Dr. Noguchi defense fund with contributions totaling $47,251.56 and expenditures of $38,246.97. The remaining $9,004.59 was recommended to help the reinstated coroner pay his attorney fees.
• Racial Barriers in L.A. County Hiring Ordered Dropped, page 3. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors ordered elimination of racial barriers in county hiring and promotion after Supervisor Ernest Debs admitted discriminatory promotional practices. The board directed the personnel director to report progress in three months and recruit more minority employees.
• Hayasaka Named to Head New Dept., page 3. Seattle Mayor Floyd Miller appointed Y. Philip Hayasaka to direct the new city department of human rights. The department will handle human rights problems, enforce the Open Housing ordinance, and assure fair employment practices in city government.
• Culver City Group Against Title II, page 3. The Culver City Human Relations Committee voted to support repeal of Title II and recommended that the city council adopt the same resolution. Chairman Dr. Harold Harada explained the dangers of possible mass internment without due process.
• Okei Grave Popular Pilgrimage Site, page 4. Since the dedication of the Wakamatsu Colony monument at Gold Hill in El Dorado County, many visitors have made pilgrimages to Okei’s grave on nearby private property. Property owners have posted requests asking visitors to keep the gate closed, avoid smoking, remove wilted flowers, and not post signs.
• Sen. Inouye Due Sept. 26 for Civil Rights Benefit, page 5. Sen. Daniel Inouye will speak at a San Francisco JACL civil rights community dinner on Sept. 21 at the Four Seas Restaurant. Proceeds support the chapter’s civil rights committee, with resolutions passed earlier this year to be presented to officials.
• Sacramento JACL Golf Tournament, page 5. Ben Sunahara won the Sacramento JACL golf championship and the Sumitomo Trophy at the tournament held Aug. 24 with more than 50 golfers. Winners in the flights were also recognized at a dinner at the Wakanoura Restaurant.

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