Vol. 74, No. 25, June 30, 1972. 6 pages. View this issue
The ‘Months of Waiting’ exhibition drew attention in this issue. Dr. Chiura Obata received an award of appreciation at the June 18 preview of art created in the World War II incarceration camps (often called internment), shown at the Los Angeles Music Center Pavilion through July 23. George Takei wrote about what it meant to see that work displayed. A page 1 story also reported on Frank H. Soyejima, a Nisei engineer who was passed over for a supervisory post at Los Angeles City Hall.
Elsewhere, JACL’s future was debated. Bill Marutani, Ross Hirano and a Tehachapi contributor weighed in on elections, and the Personnel Committee recommended David E. Ushio as Executive Director. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye wrote two columns on patriotism, and a JACL resolution proposed studying how Asians in America might unite. Other items covered National Archives records and whale products.
What’s in this issue
Incarceration & Redress
- Chiura Obata honored at ‘Months of Waiting’ exhibit preview, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Chiura Obata received an award of appreciation at the June 18 preview of ‘Months of Waiting,’ an exhibition of art created in World War II relocation camps. The show of works by ten artists runs through July 23 at the Los Angeles Music Center Pavilion.
- Archives preservation of WWII Japanese American records disputed, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The National Archives denied plans to destroy World War II records on Japanese Americans, after a Bay Area JACL resolution raised concern. The chapter had urged congressional funding to preserve these records as part of Japanese American heritage.
National
- Bias in L.A. civil service promotion for Nisei noted, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Frank H. Soyejima, a mechanical engineer who ranked first on a promotional exam, was passed over for a supervisory post at Los Angeles City Hall despite favorable rulings. The Los Angeles City Employees Asian American Association and JACL supported his protest against alleged racial discrimination.
Commentary
- Pan-Asianism and the unification of Asians in America, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A JACL resolution proposes a commission to study unifying Americans of Asian ancestry, citing shared discrimination and generational intermarriage. The proposal also raises the question of renaming the organization to reflect a broader Asian American identity.
- Quiet Americans and the JACL kind of Americanism, by Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, page 2. Inouye responds to pessimism about America by urging citizens to stick around and make the nation’s honor pure rather than leave. He praises the quiet dedication of Japanese Americans as models of patriotism.
- Time to emphasize what’s right with America, by Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, page 2. Inouye argues that national critics should focus on what is right with America, citing free speech and the 18-year-old vote. He warns that leaving the country will not solve its problems.
- The Election Game, by Bill Marutani, page 3. Marutani argues that JACL district councils too often back national candidates for provincial reasons rather than merit. He calls for delegates to choose the best-qualified leaders regardless of district affiliation.
- Months of Waiting, by George Takei, page 3. Takei reflects on the Months of Waiting art exhibit, which shows artists’ work created in the camps. He sees its display at the Music Center as a meaningful sign of a society willing to examine its past candidly.
- Our Mellow Yellowness, by Yori Wada, page 3. Wada addresses young Asian Americans, urging them to avoid repeating Nisei mistakes while engaging with the nation’s social crises. He challenges Asian American social workers to commit to broader, meaningful community involvement in mental health.
- Perspectives: JACL elections and executive director candidates, by Tehachapi, Calif. contributor, page 4. The writer defends National Treasurer Al Hatate’s candidacy and criticizes district-based conflicts that discourage qualified national candidates. The column also notes the strong Executive Director applicants and the Personnel Committee’s recommendation of David Ushio.
- Whale products and Japan’s responsibility, by Clifford L. Uyeda, page 5. Uyeda argues that the United States should ban whale product imports because alternatives such as jojoba and meadowfoam oils exist. He also describes Japan’s whaling industry and the weakness of the International Whaling Commission.
JACL
- Ross Hirano letter on JACL leadership and polarization, by Ross Hirano, page 3. Hirano, MDC governor, argues JACL faces dangerous polarization between rural and urban chapters, young and old, and conservatives and liberals. He pledges to mediate these factions toward a united direction.
- David Ushio recommended to succeed Satow as JACL Executive Director, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The National JACL Personnel Committee recommended David E. Ushio for Executive Director effective Jan. 1, 1973, subject to board and council approval. Mike Masaoka also reconfirmed his plan to end his Washington representative role after the convention.
Community
- Robert M. Cullum honored with Interior Department service award, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Secretary of Interior Rogers Morton presented Robert M. Cullum with the Distinguished Service Award for his long career, including work on WRA resettlement and Indian affairs. Cullum also helped Issei naturalization efforts in the late 1940s.
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