"I wanted to show that we were just as American as anyone else."
The quote by Fred Korematsu, "I wanted to show that we were just as American as anyone else," speaks to his desire for equality and recognition of Japanese Americans during World War II. Despite the Executive Order 9066 that forced them into internment camps, Korematsu refused to comply, standing up for the fundamental right to be considered an equal American citizen regardless of race or ethnicity. This quote encapsulates the enduring struggle for justice and the pursuit of a more inclusive America.
"If this isn't illegal, what is?"
Fred Korematsu's quote highlights his frustration with the legal system during World War II, when Japanese American citizens like himself were forcibly relocated to internment camps based solely on their ethnicity. The phrase can be interpreted as an expression of disbelief at the seeming contradiction between what is supposedly just and legal (the rule of law) and a policy that clearly violates fundamental rights and freedoms. Korematsu, who famously resisted this order, ultimately proved that these internment camps were indeed illegal, setting a powerful precedent for civil liberties in the United States.
"It's not just about me, it's about all of us."
This quote by Fred Korematsu highlights the importance of individual actions in the context of collective rights and social justice. It implies that when an individual stands up for what is right, they are not only defending their own freedom but also paving the way for the protection of everyone's liberties. In essence, the act of challenging injustice extends beyond oneself to encompass the entire community, reinforcing the idea that unity and solidarity are essential for achieving a fair and just society.
"I didn't want to go but I had no choice."
The quote emphasizes the sentiment of being compelled or coerced against one's will, especially in a situation that is unfair or unjust. In this context, Korematsu, an American citizen of Japanese ancestry who was interned during World War II, conveys his feelings about being forced to leave his home despite not wishing to do so due to the unjust executive order issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt that authorized the incarceration of Japanese Americans on the West Coast. The quote highlights a powerful sense of powerlessness and injustice during such times, yet it also underscores resilience and the human spirit's capacity for perseverance against adversity.
"I wasn't afraid – I was angry."
This quote by Fred Korematsu indicates that he was not paralyzed by fear, but instead, he was fueled by anger. The anger stemmed from the unjust treatment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, where they were forcibly relocated to internment camps. His courage and anger drove him to challenge this injustice by defying Executive Order 9066, which led to his arrest and conviction. This quote highlights Korematsu's resilience and determination in the face of adversity, demonstrating that anger can sometimes serve as a powerful catalyst for change.
Before the war, my parents were very proud people. They'd always talk about Japan and also about the samurai and things like that. Right after Pearl Harbor, they were just real quiet. They kept to themselves; they were afraid to talk about what could happen. I assume they knew that nothing good would come out of it.
- Fred Korematsu
During the curfew, whoever went out, the people were watching you. Any Japanese home, there was some person figuring he's a good American citizen by doing his duty, and they were watching every move each family were doin'. Or if they went out, they followed them to see where they were goin'.
- Fred Korematsu
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