Repealing Title II and the Nisei-Sansei dialogue

Vol. 69, No. 14, October 3, 1969. 8 pages. View this issue

Two subjects ran through this eight-page issue. One was the campaign to repeal Title II of the 1950 Internal Security Act, the emergency detention provision. The Los Angeles City Council voted 10-0 for a repeal resolution, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors passed one unanimously, and the Golden Nisei Memorial Post VFW in San Francisco endorsed repeal. The other was the conversation between Nisei parents and Sansei youth. Jerry Enomoto’s talk to the San Francisco dialogue appears on pages 1 and 5, with a report on the 60 people who took part. Don Hayashi and Alan Kumamoto wrote about youth and the JACL board.

Also inside: Mike Masaoka’s Washington newsletter on the new Senate Republican leadership, Bill Hosokawa’s column, and a report on 17 colleges offering Asian American studies this fall. Readers wrote in about Bill Hosokawa’s book title and the Rohwer memorial. The chapter news and a review of Pacific Destiny fill the later pages.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Perspectives: Nisei/Sansei Dialogue, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. National JACL President Jerry Enomoto argues that the breakdown in communication between Nisei parents and Sansei youth reflects broader generational change rather than youth decline. He urges adults to accept that times have changed and to engage youth in genuine dialogue.
• Washington Newsletter: New Senate GOP Leadership, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Senator Hugh Scott of Pennsylvania was elected Senate Minority Leader, the first moderate or liberal Republican to hold the post since World War II. The column assesses the implications for JACL, noting neither Scott nor Griffin has yet supported repeal of Title II.
• From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa recounts a visit from his brother Rube, who came to Denver on business, and their conversation about civil rights and politics. He reflects on how far their lives have diverged since childhood in Seattle.
• Editorial: Youth and Adults Must Rethink Generational Assumptions, by Harry K. Honda, page 4. The editor reflects on a recent invitation to speak at a chapter function and the paper’s production schedule. He also proposes that youth and adult JACL boards meet as co-equals with separate votes to preserve each board’s integrity.
• Letters: Rohwer Memorial, by Joseph B. Hunter, page 4. Joseph Hunter reports that the American Legion and Arkansas Green Thumbs will provide perpetual care for the Rohwer memorial to 31 Nisei war dead. A state historical landmark designation is being pursued.
• Letters: Nisei—Quiet Americans, by Murray M. Hoki; Mrs. Kara Kondo; John J. Saito; Mrs. Mary Tani, page 4. Several readers respond to the controversy over the title of Bill Hosokawa’s forthcoming book. Views range from defending the term quiet as a sign of stability to rejecting it as a stereotype that discourages activism.
• Student Aid Program, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A reader praises the JACL Student Aid program and suggests Nisei professionals in the Washington area could mentor young people. The writer draws on experience in a Los Angeles scholarship program for overlooked students.
• Nisei-Sansei Dialogue, by Jerry Enomoto, page 5. Jerry Enomoto’s talk to a Nisei-Sansei dialogue addresses generational misunderstandings over hair, the draft, and civil rights. He argues the gap reflects deeper changes in how young people see authority and democracy.
• Youth Are JACL, by Don Hayashi, page 5. A debate at the National Youth Commission over placing District Youth Council chairmen on the National JACL Board is described. Supporters argue youth need voice in decisions affecting the youth program they largely fund.
• Sansei Slant: Asian Artists, by Patti Dohzen, page 5. The writer visits the Inner City Cultural Center and observes an Asian American actress in a production of West Side Story. She argues Asian Americans should share their own experiences in the American cultural mainstream.
• Kumamoto: Program Field Aide, by Alan Kumamoto, page 5. Kumamoto urges that youth staffing be built into JACL’s structure, proposing a Youth Program Field Aide position. He argues that staff shape the organization’s direction and need upgrading.
• School Board Confronted, by David Takashima, page 5. At a Southern California school board meeting, Asian American students joined Black and Chicano groups demanding ethnic studies. The author describes the confrontation and the feeling of Asian American invisibility on campus.
• Return Call: Ethnic Studies and Playwrights, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Readers ask for information on a writing contest and novels about relocation centers. The column responds with a list of recommended works and contest details.

National

• Los Angeles City Council Votes 10-0 for Repeal of Title II, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed a resolution urging Congress to repeal the emergency detention provisions of the 1950 Internal Security Act. The resolution was introduced by Councilman Marvin Braude at the urging of local JACL leaders.
• Blackmail Threat Over Radio Charge Dropped, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Justice Department dropped its investigation of extortion charges against radio station KTRG in Honolulu. A preliminary check found no evidence the government could use to prosecute.
• Seattle P-I Takes Editorial Stand for Title II Repeal, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer editorialized in support of repealing Title II of the Internal Security Act, calling the emergency detention provision a grave threat to citizens. The paper credited JACL materials supplied by staff for informing its position.
• Matsunaga Blasts GOP Administration—ZICAT, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Representative Spark Matsunaga coined the term ZICAT to describe the Nixon administration’s inconsistencies and contradictions. He made the remarks while addressing the Hawaii State Federation of Labor convention.

Incarceration & Redress

• Nisei VFW Post Backs Detention Camp Repeal, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Golden Nisei Memorial Post VFW in San Francisco became the first Nisei veterans group to endorse repeal of Title II. The post cited Senator Inouye and Representative Matsunaga for introducing repeal bills and urged other posts to follow.
• Title II Aired on Los Angeles TV, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Local station KCOP aired footage of Manzanar camp on its Minority Community program to launch the JACL campaign for Title II repeal. Dr. Bob Suzuki and Assemblyman Williams Greene discussed the camps and the legislation.
• Title II Repeal Resolution Passed by Alameda Board of Supervisors, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Alameda County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution urging repeal of Title II of the Internal Security Act. The resolution followed a unanimous recommendation from the County Human Relations Commission.
• A Wartime Mistake, by Seattle Post-Intelligencer, page 3. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer editorial argues that the Emergency Detention Provision of the 1950 Internal Security Act threatens American citizens and should be repealed. It recalls the wartime incarceration of Japanese Americans and warns the law could again be used in a period of crisis.

Community

• Twin Cities JACL Coalitions Support Repeal Effort, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Twin Cities JACL has enlisted 69 human relations and citizen groups to support repeal of Title II, beginning with a resolution adopted by the Urban Coalition. Senators McCarthy and Mondale and Rep. Fraser have agreed to co-sponsor repeal bills.
• Human Relations Dept. Dropping Talk, Swing With Action Instead, by Stephen N. Dunphy, page 2. Seattle JACLer Phil Hayasaka was confirmed as director of the city’s new Department of Human Rights. He outlined plans to move from talk to action on housing, employment, and police-community relations.
• 50 Calif. Gardeners to Build Headquarters, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Southern California Gardeners Association will build a one-story headquarters on San Pedro Street near East 4th in Los Angeles. Architect Fred Hifumi designed the building, funded by assessments on federation members.
• Group Auto Insurance Survey of So. Calif. JACLers Completed, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A survey of over 700 Pacific Southwest JACL members found most are over 30, married, and home owners, with a majority owning two cars. The results will help determine whether a JACL group auto insurance plan is feasible.
• International Advertising Assn. Holds First Interchange in Tokyo, by Job Hamanaka, page 3. Over 1,000 participants from 50 nations gathered in Tokyo for the 21st World Congress of the International Advertising Association, the first held in Asia. The article describes Japan’s growing consumer market and the importance of advertising there.
• Nisei-Sansei Dialogue Draws 60 Participants, by P.C. Staff, page 5. About 60 Nisei parents and Sansei youth met in San Francisco to discuss values and communication. Participants reported a value gap rather than a generation gap, and called for more frequent dialogue.
• Retreat to Reality Theme of Three-Day Seminar, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Japanese Community Youth Council announced a three-day sensitivity retreat at Camp Cazadero focused on self-awareness and interpersonal communication. Organizers say the program aims to reduce inhibitions among participants.
• Racism Scores in Bilingual Movie, Perfect Match, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A reviewer criticizes the bilingual film Perfect Match for depicting racism in housing and employment. The review suggests the film shows how Chinese Americans were treated in a family setting.
• Rep. Matsunaga Keynote Speaker at Placer County Goodwill Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Congressman Spark Matsunaga will address the Placer County JACL annual goodwill dinner on November 1 at Johnson Hall in Roseville. The dinner is dedicated to the Issei pioneers during the centennial year of Japanese immigration.
• Contra Costa JACL Chicken Barbecue Raises Funds, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Contra Costa JACL chicken barbecue drew 350 members and friends despite threatening weather. Proceeds went to the Tasei Memorial scholarship fund.
• Salt Lake JACL Movie Benefit for the Elders, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Salt Lake JACL will hold a movie benefit to fund its Issei project assisting aged and lonely Issei. A survey identified 100 Issei over age 80 in the area.
• San Diego Homeport to U.S. Tuna Superseiners, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Ninety percent of the American tuna fleet is homeported in San Diego, and American seiners have outperformed Japanese competitors this season. The article notes Japanese and Russian vessels have filmed American boats to learn their techniques.
• Placer County JACL Goodwill Dinner Honors Issei, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Preparations are described for the Placer County JACL goodwill dinner honoring Issei pioneers in the centennial year. Committee chairmen and guests are listed.
• Earth Science Show Oct. 18-19 Planned by West Los Angeles JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The West Los Angeles JACL will hold its Earth Science Show October 18-19 at Webster Junior High, featuring rock polishing, carvings, bonsai, and other exhibits. The show has grown since its first staging two years ago.
• Cleveland Jr. JACL Officers Installed, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Cleveland Junior JACL board for 1969 was listed with its officers, including the president, vice presidents, secretary, and treasurer. Photos of the installed board accompany the listing.
• Seattle JACL Meets to Plan Centennial Events, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Seattle JACL members gathered to discuss local centennial programming and fundraising. The meeting also addressed chapter administration and upcoming events.

JACL

• Nat’l Jr. JACL Plan Emergency Session, by Alan Kumamoto, page 2. A special Junior JACL emergency meeting is set for Oct. 10-12 to address controversy over the youth program and its place within JACL. The National Board approved $1,500 to fund youth representatives from each district and a Chicago convention delegate.
• Reno to Host NC-WNDC Parley Oct. 25 at Sparks, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The NC-WNDC quarterly meeting will be held October 25 at the Nugget Convention Center in Sparks, Nevada. Reservations and a 1000 Club show are planned around the convention.

In-Depth

• 17 Colleges Set Asian American Studies This Fall, by Ray Okamura, page 3. Some 17 colleges and universities are offering Asian American studies courses this fall, nearly all in California. The movement began a year earlier at San Francisco State College, where Japanese and Chinese American students led the push.

Arts & Entertainment

• Nikkei Plight Shown in Perspective, by Allan Iwata, page 4. A review of Richard O’Connor’s Pacific Destiny places the prewar plight of Japanese Americans within America’s pursuit of expansion in the Pacific. The book covers figures from Ledyard to Perry and examines anti-Asian attitudes toward immigrants.
• Geisha ’69 to Open Oct. 8 for Four-Week L.A. Run, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Oriental musical revue Geisha ’69 opens in Los Angeles at the Valley Music Theatre with Red Buttons and Izumi Yukimura. It runs for four weeks with a cast of dancers and acts.

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