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They Called Us Enemy (2019)

Author: George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott (art: Harmony Becker) Type: Graphic memoir · Personal history FPS Group: Group 2 — FPS Choice/Dev Era/Period: USH Unit 4 — WWII / Japanese American Internment ELA Standards: 9-10.R.8 · 9-10.R.9 USH Standards: US.6_12.4 · US.6_12.3 Copyright: Copyrighted — excerpt only

What This Text Is About

They Called Us Enemy is a graphic memoir by George Takei, published in 2019, that recounts his childhood experiences during World War II when he and his family were forced to live in internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. As a child, George did not understand why his parents decided to move them from their home in Los Angeles to a camp in Arkansas. The story is told through both historical events and personal reflections, highlighting the confusion and trauma experienced by Japanese American families during this dark period in U.S. history.

Takei wrote this memoir not only to share his own experiences but also to educate readers about the injustices that occurred during WWII and to warn against similar acts of discrimination happening today. The book is illustrated beautifully by Harmony Becker, making it accessible and engaging for a wide audience.

Read It

Copyrighted — excerpt only.

The opening scene features George Takei as a young boy, around four years old, being led by his parents from their Los Angeles home to the internment camp in Rohwer, Arkansas. The family is escorted by soldiers with guns and looks back at their house one last time before leaving everything they know behind. Then note: Full graphic memoir available in most school libraries.

Why This Text Matters

They Called Us Enemy serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of fear and prejudice during wartime. By sharing his personal story, Takei offers a unique perspective on the Japanese American internment camps and how these events shaped not only his own life but also the lives of many other Americans. The book provides historical context that is crucial for understanding current issues surrounding civil rights and immigration.

Moreover, the memoir encourages readers to consider their own biases and the importance of standing up against discrimination. George Takei’s journey from a confused child in an internment camp to becoming one of Hollywood's most vocal advocates for LGBTQ+ rights demonstrates the power of resilience and the fight for justice. This narrative is particularly relevant given recent political events that echo past injustices.

ELA Standards Connection

Standard Connection
9-10.R.8 Through its detailed illustrations, They Called Us Enemy helps students analyze how visual elements contribute to the overall meaning of a text and complement the written narrative.
9-10.R.9 The memoir explores themes of identity and belonging, inviting readers to consider what it means to be an American in the face of prejudice and discrimination.
9-10.W.4 Students can write an argumentative essay about whether or not internment camps were justified during WWII based on specific examples from Takei's story.

Social Studies Connection

The Japanese American internment was a direct result of Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in February 1942, which authorized the removal and incarceration of over 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry living on the West Coast of the United States. The book covers specific events such as the mass evacuation of Japanese Americans from California to internment camps in various states across America, highlighting the historical context and its impact.

Key Vocabulary

  • Internment: Forced detention or imprisonment of civilians during wartime.
  • Executive Order 9066: A presidential order authorizing the removal and incarceration of people of Japanese ancestry living on the West Coast of the United States.
  • Prejudice: An unreasonable preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or experience.
  • Discrimination: The unjust or prejudiced treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, sex, or gender identity.
  • Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

Studio Ideas

  1. Write an argumentative essay about whether Executive Order 9066 was justified during WWII based on specific examples from George Takei’s story and historical context.
  2. Research and write a report on the conditions in Japanese American internment camps, focusing on daily life and how it affected families like George's.
  3. Reflect on contemporary events that have led to discrimination against certain groups of people, and discuss what steps can be taken to prevent similar injustices.

Pairs With

Why This Is Relevant Today?

They Called Us Enemy is particularly relevant today as it speaks to issues of civil liberties, racial profiling, and national security policies. In recent years, there have been debates over immigration policies and executive orders that some view as mirroring aspects of Japanese American internment. By studying Takei's memoir, students can gain a deeper understanding of the long-term impacts of such policies on individuals and communities.

ELA Reading Library · SDA Commons · South High School