Anti-Iranian hostility and the memory of Pearl Harbor, 1979

Vol. 89, No. 71, November 30, 1979. 8 pages. View this issue

The Iran hostage crisis drew sharp comparisons to the wartime treatment of Japanese Americans in this 8-page issue. The front page reported on anti-Iranian sentiment that recalled the Pearl Harbor era, and on Mike Masaoka’s warning against detaining an entire nationality over foreign policy. Another story, “Shades of WRA questions 27 and 28,” described an immigration official admitting that a directive to question Iranians recalled the loyalty questions once put to Japanese Americans. JACL chapters and officials voiced their concern on page 2.

On page 4, John Tateishi outlined a three-step redress strategy, and Sam Honda and Akira Kubota wrote letters-style columns on JACL membership and commission appointments. Charles Kubokawa described his search for Nikkei in Mexico, and the front page announced improved JACL health plan benefits and a new Bellevue junior high school named for Borghild Rigdal.

What’s in this issue

National

• Anti-Iranian passion reminiscent of Pearl Harbor era, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Anti-Iranian sentiment following the Iran hostage crisis drew comparisons to the WWII treatment of Japanese Americans. Community and JACL chapters voiced concern over government actions targeting Iranian students and residents.
• Masaoka sees painful echoes in anti-Iranian hostility, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mike Masaoka reflected on how anti-Iranian demonstrations recalled the anti-Nisei hostility that led to WWII camps. He warned against detaining an entire nationality based on foreign policy concerns.
• Shades of WRA questions 27 and 28, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The acting head of immigration admitted an official erred in directing that Iranians be questioned about supporting the U.S. government. The directive recalled loyalty questions asked of Japanese Americans during WWII.
• Iranian issue, by P.C. Staff, page 2. JACL chapters and officials responded to government moves against Iranians, including a nationwide file on Iranian students and a South Carolina college suspension. Critics compared the actions to WWII internment.

Community

• JACL health plan benefits improved, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL announced improved health plan benefits with Calif. Blue Shield after high claims, including higher hospital and dental allowances. New quarterly rates take effect January 1, 1980.
• Jr. high school named for pioneer, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A new Bellevue junior high school was named for Borghild Rigdal, a Norwegian American who spoke out against the WWII incarceration of Japanese residents. She died in Seattle at age 76.
• Ex-Stockton Nisei soil expert becomes Fellow in two groups, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Joe Kubota, a Stockton-born soil scientist, was elected a Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy and the Soil Science Society of America. His research on trace elements in soils and plants was recognized.
• UCLA Asian American studies center gears for ’80 program, by P.C. Staff, page 1. UCLA’s graduate program in Asian American Studies welcomed four new students for fall quarter. The two-year M.A. program is the first of its kind in the United States.
• PSW elects Wiley Higuchi dist. governor, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Pacific Southwest District Council elected new officers and directors at its quarterly meeting. Las Vegas JACL and New Age JACL were admitted, bringing the district to 32 chapters.
• Tamaki ends 31-yr. career with L.A. city utility, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Carl M. Tamaki retired as assistant general manager and chief engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power after 31 years. He had served as interim general manager in 1975-76.
• Multicultural emphasis made to Milwaukee schoolteachers, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Kyoko Hayashi Morris spoke on Asian literature at a symposium for Milwaukee secondary English teachers. She discussed Japanese poetry, novels, and drama and recommended engaging students with high-interest examples.
• Two Nisei teachers in LAUSD use blindness to teach effectively, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Two blind Nisei teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District, Murata and Sakamoto, are reaching students through music and Braille instruction. The district has employed 18 legally or totally blind teachers in the past year and a half.
• JACL initiates contacts with Mexico Nikkei, by Charles Kubokawa, page 3. Charles Kubokawa describes his search for Nikkei connections during a Mexico vacation, finding a community of over 10,000. He lists facts about Mexico’s Nikkei community including schools, culture, and wartime treatment.
• Nihongo Classes, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Washington D.C. JACL sponsors Saturday Japanese language classes for adults and children at Cedar Lane Unitarian Church. The chapter also decorated a Smithsonian tree with origami and released a new cookbook.

Commentary

• Generation Gap, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The column argues that continuity between Nisei and Sansei outweighs their perceived generation gap. It urges both generations to work together on shared problems rather than disowning each other.
• Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission, by Akira Kubota, page 4. Akira Kubota responds to Bill Hosokawa, arguing that ethnicity and political connections legitimately matter in commission appointments. He contends JACL’s representative would be as qualified as other members.
• Citizen Membership, by Sam Honda, page 4. Sam Honda, Redress Chairman of Twin Cities JACL, argues the citizenship requirement for JACL membership should be kept until reparations goals are met. He warns that the public may confuse Japanese Americans with Japanese nationals.
• Invitation to Participate, by Nobuyuki Nakajima, page 4. Nakajima notes that Japanese American employees are rare in the chemical industry compared to other Asian groups. He encourages young Japanese Americans to pursue industrial careers, citing affirmative action and open opportunities.
• Important and Interesting Individuals, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Reader nominations list Japanese Americans of national significance across government, science, arts, and business. The column highlights achievements of individuals in several fields.
• Generation, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A columnist reflects on Nicholas, their dog, and a neighboring Iranian man during the Iran crisis. The piece draws parallels between current anti-Iranian sentiment and the Pearl Harbor era.
• Yonsei ni Yobikakeru, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The columnist urges Sansei and Yonsei to be themselves, help each other, confront the camp legacy with pride, and take initiative in leadership. The piece frames camp history as an opportunity to prove strength and freedom.

Incarceration & Redress

• REDRESS PHASE 2: 3-Step Strategy, by John Tateishi, page 4. JACL outlined a three-phase redress strategy including legislation for a commission to investigate the Evacuation. The organization will recommend that Nikkei be included among commission members and appointed as paid consultants.

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