Vol. 74, No. 21, June 2, 1972. 8 pages. View this issue
Questions about how JACL should organize itself ran through this eight-page issue. A front-page piece on the National Youth Program said strong youth chapters depend on local adult help and activities that appeal to young people. P.C. Staff profiled the candidates on the national ballot ahead of the Washington, D.C. convention. Bill Marutani wrote against public relations aimed at explaining Japanese Americans to white Americans, and Otto Furuta argued for member programs and a serious commitment to youth. Another page covered the Planning Commission’s debate over regional directors and offices.
Elsewhere, Arnold B. Larson proposed a permanent museum at Manzanar on the wartime incarceration, and Ron Lai urged continued pressure against revived Charlie Chan films and shows. Spark Matsunaga described his Department of Peace legislation. Chapter news came from Dayton, Chicago and Detroit, and a short history recalled the Nisei of the Military Intelligence Service Language School.
What’s in this issue
National
- Youth Program Must Be Locally Driven, Says National Youth Program Leader, page 1. The National Youth Program is urged to provide communication, leadership training, and manuals to support youth chapters. Local adult help and attractive local activities are identified as keys to strong youth chapters.
JACL
- Who’s Who on the National JACL Ballot: Candidates for Office at Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Profiles are given for candidates for JACL national offices including president-elect, vice presidents, and treasurer ahead of the Washington, D.C. convention. Each candidate’s background and service record in JACL is summarized.
- Planning Commission Debates Regional Offices for JACL, page 2. National Planning Commission members discuss whether JACL should establish regional directors and offices to serve chapters across districts. Concerns include funding, staff workload, and the best way to deliver services and maintain membership.
- Programs Vital to Keep National JACL Thriving, by Otto Furuta, page 2. Furuta argues that JACL must offer programs that encourage member participation and seek outside funding for action-oriented initiatives. He also calls for a serious commitment to youth programs and better external publicity.
Commentary
- Who Speaks for JACL?, page 1. The writer reflects on who speaks for chapters and the national organization, noting that committed members often drive policy while most members remain apathetic. The piece argues leaders must lead rather than merely react to membership will.
- Explanations & Excuses, by Bill Marutani, page 1. Marutani opposes external public relations aimed at explaining Japanese Americans’ rights to white Americans. He argues that Japanese Americans should simply live as Americans, since their wartime record already earned their place.
- Honest Journalism Matters: Response to Fu Manchu Television Controversy, by Rafu Shimpo, page 2. The article criticizes a Los Angeles newscaster for insinuating Chinese Americans were Communist during a Fu Manchu program protest. It draws parallels to pre-World War II media portrayals that helped justify internment.
- Nikkei Term Explained in Question Box, page 2. A reader question about the term Nikkei is answered, explaining it means people of Japanese ancestry including recent immigrants. The Pacific Citizen has promoted its use since 1945.
- Keeping Charlie Chan Off the Air, by Ron Lai, page 2. Lai urges continued community pressure against revived Charlie Chan films, TV shows, and merchandise. He argues the character perpetuates demeaning stereotypes contrary to a congressional resolution.
- Manzanar Museum Proposal, by Arnold B. Larson, page 2. Larson proposes that JACL lead an effort to build a permanent museum at Manzanar documenting the wartime incarceration. He suggests a design competition by Japanese American architects.
Community
- Dayton JACL Earns Plaudits of City for Japan Week Program, by Charles Pace, page 3. The Dayton JACL organized a successful Japan Week in early May that included a dinner featuring Congressman Spark Matsunaga. The chapter earned recognition from the city for its community organization and cultural events.
- Chicago Junior JACL Raising Funds for Midwest Workshop, by Janette Koga, page 3. The Chicago Junior JACL is conducting fundraising projects to support a Midwest workshop planned for Thanksgiving weekend. Projects include a film screening, a window washing drive, and paper flower sales.
- Sumitomo Bank Seeks to Increase Capital Funds, page 4. Sumitomo Bank of California plans to issue ten million dollars in convertible debentures, with half purchased by its Osaka parent. The offering aims to strengthen the bank’s capital base.
- Detroit JACL Marks 26th Anniversary and Installs Officers, by Elaine Akagi, page 6. The Detroit JACL held its anniversary celebration and installation of officers with an overflow crowd. Awards were presented to local merchants and the chapter’s JACLer of the Year.
Military & Veterans
- Japanese American Congressman Sponsors Peace Department Legislation, by Spark Matsunaga, page 4. Congressman Spark Matsunaga describes legislation to create a federal Department of Peace with cabinet rank. He argues that current government policy has become too quick to use military force.
- Nisei Veterans of the Military Intelligence Service Language School Remembered, page 5. The article recounts the history of the Military Intelligence Service Language School, relocated to Camp Savage and then Fort Snelling, and the contributions of its Nisei graduates in the Pacific war. It highlights the courage and loyalty of these soldiers despite prejudice.
- MIS Language School Alumni Honored for Wartime Service, page 5. Nisei graduates of the Military Intelligence Service Language School are described as having shortened the war through translation and interrogation work. Their service earned numerous medals despite prejudice.
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