Due Monday 10/7 in class or by the end of the day 5pm in my office Psych 108 -
Reflection Questions [several paragraph answers for each, total of 10 answers must be well over 500 words and typed double spaced]
 
1. Drawing from the film UNFINISHED BUSINESS, discuss the different reasons why Korematsu, Hirabayashi and Yasui 'resisted' their unjust treatment [and the general  subordination of the Japanese American community] during WWII?

2.  Briefly describe how the 1942 Korematsu U.S. Supreme Court decision was finally overturned? What role did  community activists and civil rights lawyers play in the victory? Draw from Ancheta's explanation of the legal case and info from the Unfinished Business film.

3.  In your own words explain what the constitutional protections of 'due process' and 'equal protection' are supposed to ensure for all 'Americans' regardless of their race or national origin.  Why do you think the U.S. Constitution, the courts and our so-called 'checks and balances' system failed to protect the rights of Japanese Americans during WWII? Drawing from the 9-11 readings explain how other communities today are being similarly impacted.

4.  Give one example of racialization of Asian Americans or people of color today and explain how it differs from the racialization of Japanese Americans in WWII.

5. Drawing from media literacy materials, the films, and class materials discuss the role of mainstream media institutions during the internment experience.  To what extent is the mainstream media today repeating this role in the aftermath of 9-11 and the impending 'war' against Iraq.

6. Give examples of the types of resistance shown in the Rabbit in the Moon film - be specific.

7.  According to the Rabbit in the Moon film, what role did the JACL [Japanese American Citizens League] play during the internment camp experience?  Click here for background info from the filmmakers.  Explain how this is an example of subordination as defined by Ancheta.

8.  How do you think you would have responded to the LOYALTY QUESTIONAIRE Q27-28 in 1943 if you and your family had been imprisoned in U.S. concentration camps and stripped of your basic constitutional rights and dignity? Click here for background info.

9.  What information from the website readings on September 11th, immigrant rights and Civil Liberties today [incl. extra readings] has impacted your own 'worldview' or how you view the 'war on terrorism' and civil liberties and immigrant rights in the United States today. It is ok to also draw from the media literacy readings and discussions here as well.

10.  Given what you know about former SF Supervisor Mable Teng [see especially the website links to her bio, the 1990 article and the 1998 SF Bay Guardian critique of her role on the board of supervisors] - why do you think she is running for SF Assessor? Do you think her election will contribute to Asian American community empowerment? Explain.


Email Eric [ericmar@att.net] if you have questions.