Vol. 78, No. 8, March 1, 1974. 4 pages. View this issue
Volunteer service was the question Henry Tanaka put to JACL members in this four-page issue. His column argued that the hours members give their chapters are worth far more than their dollar value, and he urged members to take part in shaping JACL’s direction. The front page also reported that the National JACL Board filed an amicus brief supporting the University of Washington’s minority admissions policy in the De Funis case before the U.S. Supreme Court, and that Portland and Gresham-Troutdale chapters were planning the 23rd biennial National JACL Convention for July 24-27.
Other pages carry Mike M. Masaoka’s tribute to New York attorney Tom Hayashi, Phil Shigekuni on being called a slur and on Asian unity, and Bill Hosokawa on a Denver JACL banquet. Also here: a job application that drew criticism for its citizenship questions, a new English as a Second Language curriculum for Asian-speaking adults, and Sacramento bowling tournament results.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Volunteer Services, by Henry Tanaka, page 1. The columnist argues that volunteer services to JACL have value far beyond their monetary equivalent, creating awareness, unity, and programs that benefit communities. He urges members to participate actively in shaping JACL’s future direction.
- Danger to Japan democracy seen, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A World Affairs Council speaker warned that Japan faces danger to its democracy due to dependence on foreign resources and an unbalanced economy. The article summarizes his analysis of overcrowding and trade pressures.
- On Being Called a ‘Gook’, by Phil Shigekuni, page 2. Phil Shigekuni writes about the San Fernando Valley JACL board’s day-long session on goals, including human rights and workplace discrimination against Asians. He argues that Asians should unite across national origins to counter racism.
- From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa recounts attending a Denver JACL annual banquet and reflects on the aging of the Issei and Nisei generations. He notes changing demographics and generational gaps in the community.
- On the Protest Path, by Kats Kunitsugu, page 4. The columnist describes how Asian Americans for Fair Media challenged a television commercial considered offensive to Asians. He reflects on the need for Asian American participation in media decisions affecting their image.
National
- JACL backs U.W. in De Funis case, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL Board filed an amicus brief supporting the University of Washington’s minority admissions policy in the De Funis case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The article outlines the questions at stake and the arguments of supporters and opponents of race-conscious admissions.
Community
- CCDC to launch bulletin, set meeting schedule, by Thomas Toyama, page 1. The Central California District Council decided to publish a district bulletin and explored a regional office location. The council also set future meeting dates and discussed scholarship amounts and Blue Shield claims.
- Plan now to visit the beautiful Pacific Northwest, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Convention organizers urge JACL members and families to visit Oregon during convention week and describe the travel resources and attractions available. The convention theme and nearby recreation are also highlighted.
- ESL for Asians courses designed, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A three-year project led by Sadae Iwataki produced an English as a Second Language curriculum for Asian-speaking adults in Los Angeles City Schools. The curriculum addresses differences between English and several Asian languages.
- Imperial Lanes bowling tournament results, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Teams from across the West and beyond converged on Sacramento for the JACL bowling tournament, with lists of participating squads by division. Tournament schedules and team rosters were announced.
JACL
- National JACL Convention in Portland, July 24-27, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Portland and Gresham-Troutdale chapters are finalizing plans for the 23rd biennial National JACL Convention at the Sheraton Motor Inn. The article recounts the convention’s history and selection of Portland as host city.
- Nat’l JACL Board oriented to new convention form, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL Board received orientation on a new format for submitting convention proposals and constitutional amendments. Deadlines and the schedule for delivering materials to delegates were set out.
Military & Veterans
- Tom Hayashi: 1917-1974, by Mike M. Masaoka, page 2. Mike Masaoka pays tribute to Thomas Hayashi, a New York attorney and JACL leader who advocated for Japanese American rights and US-Japan relations. The memorial traces his wartime experiences, legal career, and civic contributions.
Incarceration & Redress
- Discount store job application form demanding citizenship status, by P.C. Staff, page 3. White Front Stores’ job application asked questions about citizenship and parents’ citizenship, drawing criticism from JACL and other groups. Community organizations viewed the questions as reminiscent of wartime discrimination.
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