Texas textbooks, the Census and the JACL convention in Chicago

Vol. 150, No. 6, April 2, 2010. 16 pages. View this issue

A new Texas social studies curriculum drew sharp criticism from JACL leaders, who said it diluted the history of the World War II incarceration (often called internment). Nalea J. Ko reported on the board’s 10-5 vote, with Floyd Mori and Bill Yoshino quoted, and John Tateishi’s column “Texas Madness” called the changes historically inaccurate. Ko also covered efforts to count Asian Pacific Americans in the 2010 Census. Ron Yoshino previewed the JACL National Convention in Chicago, set for June 30 to July 4, and Hugh Burleson asked readers to support the Spring Campaign for the print paper.

Other pages include Floyd Mori’s Day of Remembrance column on Wat Misaka and Judge Raymond Uno, registration for the Tule Lake pilgrimage, and a Go For Broke exhibit coming to Ellis Island. Goodwin Liu’s judicial nomination, Phillip Ozaki’s account of the March for America immigration rally, and Katie Ling Nakano’s report on Dolly Gee’s swearing-in also ran.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Paper or Perish?, by Hugh Burleson, page 2. Hugh Burleson, a new member of the PC editorial board, urges readers to support the Pacific Citizen’s Spring Campaign, arguing that eliminating the print edition would alienate older members and potentially harm JACL membership. He calls for creative thinking beyond budget tables to preserve the newspaper’s print format.
• Utah Boys, by Floyd Mori, page 2. Floyd Mori recounts speaking at the Utah JACL Day of Remembrance program honoring basketball star Wat Misaka and Judge Raymond Uno, both prominent Japanese Americans from Utah. He reflects on their achievements and his personal friendships with both men over the years.
• Texas Madness, by John Tateishi, page 8. John Tateishi criticizes the Texas Board of Education’s curriculum amendments as historically inaccurate and ideologically driven, particularly their attempt to equate Japanese American internment with the treatment of German and Italian Americans. He argues the changes minimize the racist nature of the internment and could distort history nationwide if adopted by textbook publishers.
• Questions on Aging, by Ema Nakao, page 8. Ema Nakao reflects on the cultural tension between American norms of placing elderly parents in nursing homes and the Japanese tradition of family caregiving. She shares her own struggles as an only child of separated parents in deciding how to care for her aging family members in the future.
• The Health Care Dystopia, by James Kumpel, page 12. Health care research analyst James Kumpel critiques the 2010 health care reform legislation, arguing it will increase taxes and deficit spending while disproportionately affecting Asian Pacific Americans through tax increases. He notes disparities in health outcomes among APA subgroups and warns the reform may lead to longer wait times and strained emergency rooms, citing Massachusetts as an example.
• Lindsey Graham Blasted for ‘Liquored Up on Sake’ Remark, by P.C. Staff, page 12. Sen. Lindsey Graham faced criticism, including from Rep. Mike Honda and the JACL, for using racially tinged language when he said Speaker Pelosi had Democrats ‘liquored up on sake’ to pass health care reform. Honda, a former WWII internee, called the remark personally disheartening.
• JACL Marches for America, by Phillip Ozaki, page 13. JACL Mineta Fellow Phillip Ozaki describes organizing JACL’s participation in the March for America rally in Washington, D.C., which drew 200,000 people demanding comprehensive immigration reform. He highlights efforts to showcase AAPI diversity and involvement, including a multilingual poster-making event before the march.
• A Brilliant Shattering of Glass, by Katie Ling Nakano, page 13. Katie Nakano recounts witnessing Dolly Gee’s swearing-in as the first Chinese American woman U.S. District Court judge, reflecting on Gee’s personal history as a labor lawyer and community activist. The ceremony honored Gee’s trailblazing career and connected her legacy to earlier pioneering women judges like Florence Allen.
• UW Honorary Degree Bill Signed Into Law, by Bob Nakamura, page 14. Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire signed Senate Bill 6467 into law, granting honorary degrees to former University of Washington students whose educations were interrupted by WWII internment. Bob Nakamura reflects on his family’s history in Washington State and the significance of this act of historical redress.

National

• Texas Board of Education Accused of Diluting History, by Nalea J. Ko, page 3. The Texas Board of Education voted 10-5 to approve curriculum changes emphasizing that German and Italian Americans were also interned during WWII, which JACL leaders say dilutes the racially motivated nature of Japanese American internment. JACL officials, including Floyd Mori and Bill Yoshino, criticized the changes as factually incorrect and warned they could spread nationally through textbooks.
• Making Sure Asian Pacific Americans Count, by Nalea J. Ko, page 4. Census Bureau employees are working to ensure accurate representation of Asian Pacific Americans in the 2010 Census after significant undercounts in 2000, using a diverse media campaign in over 13 languages. Officials addressed concerns about confidentiality, citing Title 13 protections, while explaining that Census data affects over $400 billion in federal funding and congressional redistricting.
• Liu’s Confirmation Could Lead to Supreme Court, by Pacific Citizen Staff and Associated Press, page 6. Legal experts suggest Goodwin Liu, nominated for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, could become the first Asian Pacific American on the Supreme Court if confirmed. His nomination hearing was postponed amid health care debate, and Asian Pacific American groups have celebrated his nomination while anticipating a partisan confirmation battle.
• National Newsbytes, by Pacific Citizen Staff and Associated Press, page 6. This roundup covers Hawaii’s strong early Census 2010 response, JACL’s support for the FCC’s national broadband plan, a JA man charged in a Pasadena art professor’s shooting death, a Native Hawaiian group’s criticism of Gov. Lingle over the Akaka Bill, a state representative’s apology for an offensive Facebook comment about atomic bombings, and UC officials condemning racist incidents on campus.
• Ellis Island JA Exhibit to Open, by P.C. Staff, page 7. A WWII exhibit titled ‘Go For Broke: Japanese American Soldiers Fighting on Two Fronts’ will open at the Statue of Liberty Museum on Ellis Island in late May, showcasing Nisei military service and its role in achieving Issei citizenship and the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. The exhibit will be dedicated to Mike Masaoka and Chet Tanaka, and feature stories of the 442nd RCT and 522nd Field Artillery Battalion.
• Some APAs Have Higher Cancer Risk, by P.C. Staff, page 7. A new report in the American Journal of Public Health finds that Asian Pacific Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders suffer disproportionately from certain cancers and health conditions, with culturally appropriate prevention measures shown to reduce these disparities. Studies highlighted higher breast cancer mortality among Asian-born immigrant women and increased obesity and heart disease risks among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

JACL

• JACL Announces Collegiate D.C. Leadership Program, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The JACL is accepting applications for its Collegiate Washington, D.C. Leadership Conference to be held June 10-13, aimed at Asian Pacific American undergraduate students. The three-day program offers exposure to national policy-making, meetings with officials, and leadership training workshops.
• Nominations Open for Nat’l Board, Resolutions Being Accepted, by P.C. Staff, page 5. JACL is accepting nominations for eight national board seats to be elected at the National Convention in Chicago, with an application deadline of April 2. Chapters and district youth representatives can also submit resolutions for consideration by May 2.
• 2010 JACL National Convention: Windy City Activities and More, by Ron Yoshino, page 5. The Chicago Convention Committee has planned the 2010 JACL National Convention at the Swissotel from June 30 to July 4, featuring events like the welcome reception, awards luncheon, and Sayonara banquet. Optional activities include a youth concert, workshops, a WWII exhibit on the Military Intelligence Service, and various Chicago tours.

Community

• APAs in the News, by Pacific Citizen Staff and Associated Press, page 7. This roundup highlights achievements including Lillian Kimura being honored by NJAHS, Clarence Moriwaki named CEO of JCCCW, Steven Isoye named Illinois Principal of the Year, and other APA educators, artists, and officials receiving recognition. It also notes Dawn Tomita becoming Lomita’s first female and Japanese American city manager, and NVC scholarship recipients.
• Tule Lake Pilgrimage, by P.C. Staff, page 14. Registration is open for the July 2-5 Tule Lake pilgrimage, which will focus on young adults segregated at Tule Lake, including ‘No-Nos’ and those who renounced U.S. citizenship. The committee is highlighting previously marginalized stories of civil disobedience and offering free registration to internees 80 and older.

Arts & Entertainment

• Nicole Scherzinger: Dancing With Two Hawaiian Feet, by Nalea J. Ko, page 9. Former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, who is of Hawaiian, Filipino and Ukrainian descent, discusses her experience competing on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ and the challenges of learning ballroom dance. She also speaks about her strong ties to her Hawaiian family and culture despite living in Los Angeles.

Sports

• A Field of Dreams, by Nalea J. Ko, page 10. U.S. field hockey goalkeeper Amy Tran, daughter of a Vietnam War refugee, is competing in the AtaHolding World Cup Qualifier while planning her wedding. Her athletic success has provided opportunities her father never had, and she reflects on her family’s journey from Vietnam to America.

Obituaries

• JA Vets to Attend Miyamura School Dedication, by P.C. Staff, page 15. The Japanese American Korean War Veterans group is organizing a trip to Gallup, New Mexico for the September 4 dedication of Hiroshi Miyamura High School, named after the Medal of Honor recipient. A bronze sculpture of Miyamura will be moved to the school site as part of the ceremony.
• James Kumaki, page 15. James Kumaki, 87, died March 9th, survived by his wife Yuki and children Margaret, David, and Robert along with five grandchildren. A memorial visitation was held April 17th at Lakeview Funeral Home in Chicago.
• Masami “Sam” Oda, page 15. Masami ‘Sam’ Oda, 96, passed away March 3, 2010, survived by his wife Kazuko and a large extended family of children and grandchildren. A UC Berkeley graduate and longtime Berkeley Buddhist Temple member, he was remembered for his love of golf, poker, and the Cal Golden Bears.

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