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They Called Us Enemy: A Harrowing and Inspiring Memoir of Japanese-American Internment

Benji Powell

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Published in They Called Us Enemy George Takei

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Book Cover Of They Called Us Enemy George Takei

: A Journey of Pain and Resilience

In his gripping and deeply moving memoir, "They Called Us Enemy," George Takei, the renowned actor, author, and activist, transports readers back to a dark and shameful chapter in American history: the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Takei's personal narrative offers a firsthand account of the unimaginable horrors and injustices faced by his family and thousands of others.

They Called Us Enemy

by George Takei

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	622687 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	212 pages

The Uprooting: From Home to Incarceration

Takei's story begins in the idyllic Californian town of Los Angeles, where he spent his early childhood. However, with the outbreak of war, the Takei family's world was shattered. As a young boy of 12, Takei witnessed the FBI raid his home and arrest his father. Soon after, his entire family was forcibly removed from their home and sent to the Santa Anita racetrack, a temporary detention center.

Life Behind Barbed Wire: The Concentration Camps

From Santa Anita, the Takei family was transferred to the Rohwer War Relocation Center in Arkansas, one of ten concentration camps established by the United States government to incarcerate Japanese-Americans. Takei's vivid description of life behind barbed wire is both harrowing and heartbreaking. He recounts the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, the lack of privacy, the relentless surveillance, and the constant fear of violence.

Strength Amidst Adversity: The Power of Community

Despite the unimaginable hardships they faced, the Japanese-Americans imprisoned in these camps found strength and solace in their shared experiences and unwavering community spirit. Takei describes the bonds he forged with fellow internees, the educational programs they organized, and the cultural traditions they preserved.

Post-War Struggles: Confronting Racism and Trauma

After the war ended, the Takei family was released from the camps, but the scars of their experiences lingered. Takei struggled to find work and faced discrimination and prejudice at every turn. He candidly shares his journey of healing and reconciliation, as well as his lifelong activism against racism and injustice.

A Legacy of Courage and Determination

Today, George Takei is a celebrated actor, author, and social activist known for his groundbreaking role in the original "Star Trek" series and his tireless advocacy for human rights. "They Called Us Enemy" is not only a powerful memoir but also a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who survived the horrors of Japanese-American internment. Takei's story is a reminder of the dangers of prejudice and discrimination and a call to action for a more just and equitable society.

: A Must-Read for History, Empathy, and Human Resilience

"They Called Us Enemy" is an essential read for anyone interested in American history, social justice, and the complexities of the human experience. George Takei's account of his family's internment is both harrowing and profoundly moving. It serves as a poignant reminder of the dark side of human nature, but also of the indomitable spirit that can triumph over adversity. By sharing his story, Takei not only honors the memory of those who suffered but also inspires future generations to fight against injustice and build a more just and humane world.