A language code, a school ruling and a new JACL headquarters

Vol. 78, No. 4, February 1, 1974. 6 pages. View this issue

Several civil rights stories ran on the front page of this six-page issue. After JACL objected to the code “Jap” for the Japanese language, the Library of Congress agreed to adopt “JPN”. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that San Francisco schools must give special English instruction to Chinese-speaking students. Judge Robert M. Takasugi dismissed 36 criminal cases over speedy trial violations. JACL President Henry T. Tanaka also set a 1974 membership goal of 35,000 and promoted the Presidential Classroom for Young Americans, and the building fund committee reported on the new headquarters.

On the commentary pages, William Marutani wrote on prejudice among Asian Americans in his column Yellow Mellow, and Frank Ching reported on street crime in New York’s Chinatown. Bill Hosokawa described a kabuki dance performance in Denver, and Allan Beekman reviewed a book on the Fourteenth Amendment. Rep. Spark Matsunaga questioned the energy crisis, and two JACL chapters announced summer charter flights to Japan.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Summer Program for High School and College Students Offers Study of U.S. Government, by Henry T. Tanaka, page 1. JACL President Henry Tanaka promotes the Presidential Classroom for Young Americans, a program offering seniors and students an in-depth look at the federal government. JACL has reserved positions and tuition awards to help members attend.
• Yellow Mellow, by William Marutani, page 2. Marutani reflects on a Kung Fu film’s portrayal of Japanese and on the inherited prejudices among Asian Americans. He describes a multiethnic Asian conference that revealed shared experiences and urges open communication to dispel ignorance.
• Street Crimes Cast Pall of Fear Over N.Y. Chinatown, by Frank Ching, page 2. Residents and merchants of New York’s Chinatown complain of rising street crime, causing some businesses to close early and profits to fall. The mayor’s intervention has temporarily delayed a planned protest.
• Yellow Mellow Continued Notes on Asian Identity, by William Marutani, page 3. Marutani continues his reflections on Asian American identity and prejudice. He argues that dismantling ignorance through dialogue is the path forward.
• How the Constitution Was Revitalized: Book Review of The Amendment That Refused to Die, by Allan Beekman, page 5. Beekman reviews Howard N. Meyer’s book on the Fourteenth Amendment, tracing how Dred Scott and later Supreme Court decisions distorted its meaning. He notes the Court eventually returned to the Amendment’s original intent.

Community

• 35,000 Members Sought in JACL 1974 Membership Goal, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL President Tanaka set a 1974 membership goal of 35,000, an increase over last year. Headquarters staffer Susan Okura answered common membership questions about dues, benefits, and membership categories.
• Alameda JACL Installs Youngest President, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Alameda JACL installed its youngest president at its annual dinner in December. Officers were sworn in and the chapter recognized scholarship recipients.
• Asian American Role in Mass Media Panel Planned in New York, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A New York panel will examine the Asian American role in mass media, with speakers including journalists and media professionals. The discussion will consider Asian American portrayal and possible action.
• Echoes: Still America’s Heartland, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A chapter column reflects on the Midwest’s reputation for helpfulness and on the author’s experiences with racial attitudes in Cincinnati and New York. It contrasts Midwestern and Eastern attitudes toward strangers.

JACL

• Tenants Occupy Site Where JACL Headquarters Building Is Due, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL building fund committee reports good early contributions toward the new headquarters, though construction depends on existing tenants vacating. Donations are tax-deductible and a special appeal to PC subscribers is planned.
• JACL Summer Charter Flight to Japan Announced, by P.C. Staff, page 5. JACL announced a summer charter flight from Portland to Tokyo departing July 28 and returning August 18 for $350 per person. Open to JACL members and immediate family, with a $100 deposit required.
• West Los Angeles JACL 1974 Summer Charter Flight to Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 5. West Los Angeles JACL announced a summer charter flight to Tokyo leaving June 20 and returning July 16 for $350 per person. Applications are accepted with staged payments through April 1.

National

• Library of Congress Moves to Adopt ‘Jpn’ Code Instead of ‘Jap’, by P.C. Staff, page 1. After JACL objected to the use of ‘Jap’ as a language code, the Library of Congress agreed to adopt ‘JPN’ for Japanese. JACL argued the offensive term recalls wartime discrimination.
• Judge Takasugi Dismisses 36 Criminal Cases Over Speedy Trial Violations, by P.C. Staff, page 1. East Los Angeles Municipal Court Judge Robert M. Takasugi dismissed dozens of criminal cases, citing violations of defendants’ right to a speedy trial caused by court congestion. He defended his decision as based on judicial independence and the Constitution.
• Chinese Pupils Win Supreme Court Ruling on Language Instruction, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the San Francisco Unified School District must provide special English instruction to Chinese-speaking students under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The decision may affect about 5 million non-English-speaking students nationwide.
• Washington State Review of Licensing Laws Restricting Noncitizens, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Washington State Human Rights Commission agreed to pursue repeal of state laws limiting professional licenses to U.S. citizens. Asian American Advisory Council staff argued the restrictions are discriminatory.
• Is Energy Crisis for Real?, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Rep. Spark Matsunaga called for a thorough congressional investigation of the energy crisis, citing White House credibility problems and oil industry contributions. He also noted rising food and living costs and unemployment.
• Asian Americans in Hawaii Forecast Geothermal Energy Use, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Engineering professor Dr. Patrick Takahashi told a Honolulu audience that geothermal energy is Hawaii’s only natural energy source and may be used in the state. He also discussed the energy crisis and alternatives such as coal and laser fusion.

Military & Veterans

• Japanese American Officials and Congress Discuss Redress, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Brief coverage of congressional and community responses on Japanese American issues during the period. Details are limited in the OCR text.

Arts & Entertainment

• Classical Kabuki Dance Performance by Shozo Sato in Denver, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Columnist Bill Hosokawa describes a kabuki dance performance by Shozo Sato in Denver, noting the mostly Caucasian audience. He also reflects on football and other interests.

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