The Resilience and Rebuilding of Japanese Americans Post-WW2 Interment
Almost every Japanese American interned stayed in the United States. This article explores where they went and how they rebuilt their lives, highlighting the challenges and resilience faced by this community.
Where Did They Go?
Following World War II, Japanese Americans who had been interned were allowed to return to their homes. However, their journey back was fraught with challenges and discrimination. Many chose to remain close to the internment camps, which often became their new centers of community and support. For those who returned, the return was met with divided sentiment. Most Americans were not welcoming, and many Japanese Americans faced a difficult period of adjustment.
The Hardship of Rebuilding
Upon their return, Japanese Americans encountered significant challenges. For example, my family, who had previously been engaged in sharecropping, had to move from a home to a barn because no one would lease or sell to us for years. This was not an isolated incident. Many who owned property during the internment period struggled to make payments, leading to foreclosures and new occupants taking over the properties.
Additionally, the trauma of the internment camp experience translated into long-term societal impacts. My family, like many others, faced ongoing discrimination. They were not allowed to shop in stores or eat in restaurants in the local businesses. The Sears catalog became their primary resource for household needs, as the local stores were not amenable to serving them.
Language and Integration
As Japanese Americans returned to their communities, a shift in language and values became evident. The younger generations began to prioritize English as their primary language, with a focus on integration and acceptance. This change emphasized the need to be accepted in a society that often ostracized them due to their Japanese identity. As a result, language and cultural assimilation became integral parts of post-war life.
The Concept of Gaman
The concept of gaman (also spelled gaman) plays a crucial role in the resilience of Japanese Americans during this period. Gaman is a term that can be loosely translated as 'enduring unspeakable suffering with dignity' or more broadly as 'accepting that which cannot be changed.' This approach forms the backbone of the community's ability to rebuild and thrive despite the injustices they faced. It is a mindset that emphasizes perseverance and acceptance in the face of adversity.
In the context of the post-war period, gaman became a driving force for change and recovery. While the trauma of internment was never easily forgotten, the community found ways to move forward, maintaining a sense of dignity and purpose. The ability to endure and rebuild their lives, despite the systemic and personal challenges, is a testament to the human spirit and the resilience of the Japanese American community.
Overall, the story of Japanese Americans post-WW2 is one of overwhelming resilience and the ability to rebuild in the face of incredible adversity. Through the resilience of the community and the concept of gaman, they were able to not only survive but also thrive in the post-war era.