ITEMS

Dealing with Japanese Americans

Written in October 1942 to staff of the War Relocation Authority, this paper stresses the importance of understanding the cultural background of the Japanese Americans living in relocation centers. It describes common behavior patterns among the older Japanese (issue) such as use of a go-between for negotiating sensitive matters between two people or parties to avoid embarrassment. It urges staff to become personally acquainted with as many of the center residents as possible to build confidence and allay fears. To communicate new policies, Embree recommends they be explained directly by the center's head instead of via a middle person. He describes the anxieties and attitudes likely to be operating in the three groups making up relocation center populations: issue (born in Japan); nisei (born in U.S., educated in U.S.); and kibei (born in U.S. , educated in Japan).

Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives, Topaz Internment Camp Documents, (MSS 170, Box 1, Fd. 8)

1942-10

This is a U.S. government document and as such is freely available without restriction.

SCAMSS0170Bx001Fd08-001-009.pdf