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Essay / Examining both sides' argument regarding Japanese internment camps
Shortly after the horrific events at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the lives of hundreds of thousands of ethnic Japanese, both foreigners and citizens of the United States, was going to be changed in a major way. Decree 9066, signed two and a half months after these events, allowed the government to expel any person it deemed “undesirable” from certain military zones. This order ultimately led to the forced removal of most ethnic Japanese, who were sent to internment camps set up throughout the country. Families had to abandon their way of life and their possessions, taking only small suitcases filled with provisions from their previous lives. The camps consisted of hastily constructed barracks, where each family had one room with virtually no equipment inside. This article, Internment of Japanese Americans, Preserving National Security or Violating the Rights of Japanese Americans?, written by Jennifer Dunham, explains the two sides that people argue about regarding the internment camps: the internment camps were justified given the situation, or the internment camps were unconstitutional and immoral. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The side in favor of internment camps argues that these measures had to be taken for reasons of military necessity. The article explains that "Japanese Americans still loyal to Japan could constitute a 'fifth column' supportive of the Japanese war effort, proponents of internment claimed. This "fifth column" could sabotage key installations on the West Coast or aid Japan in an invasion, they warn. Supporters describe how such a high risk to national security could no longer be ignored. The security of military areas was very important, and that is why supporters argue that these major events were organized to ensure the security of these areas. According to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, "we had no time to investigate the families or strictly adhere to the American rule that a man is innocent until proven guilty." Those who support the orders use this as one of the greatest justifications for internment camps. Proponents also argue that Japanese people living in America would likely have been involved in violent race riots due to the negative perception of Japanese ancestry at that time. The possibility of the Japanese in the United States seriously harming military installations, as well as other reasons, are some of the justifications given by their supporters. Those who oppose the use of internment camps explain that the decree targeted people solely based on their interests. race, and unconstitutionally confined foreigners and American citizens. Eugene Rostow wrote: “Overall, the case of the Japanese Americans constitutes the worst blow to our freedoms in many years. » These people were treated like criminals, even though they had no formal charges against them. Opponents claim they were forced into all this simply because of their race. Author Jennifer Dunham writes: "[Opponents] argued that the U.S. government should have taken the time and effort to separate ethnic Japanese who were most likely to aid the enemy from the overwhelming majority of those who were loyal. » They explained that there.