Greetings!
I recently had the honor to moderate a panel at the Japanese American Citizens League as part of their film Enduring Democracy: The Monterey Petition. The film explores when 500+ people in Monterey gathered to place a full page ad in the Monterey Peninsula Herald to welcome back Japanese after internment. Prior to this an ad had been placed in the Herald that all persons of Japanese ancestry be sent back to Japan. Supporters of the Monterey Petition included Tony Jackson-Ricketts (Steinbeck's editor), Ed Ricketts (marine biologist), John Steinbeck (author), Edward Weston (photographer), Robinson Jeffers (poet), and others. The petition was circulated as a way to highlight that at the end of internment, that Monterey supported the constitution "by insuring the democractic way of life for ALL members of the community."
It's notable as the Issei (first generation) and Nisei (second generation) had contributed immensely to the Monterey Peninsula economy - strawberries, artichokes, salmon fishing, and abalone fishing had all been staples here. Due to long anti-Asian policies in California and United States, immigration policies, deed restrictions & business policies had removed many Chinese & Japanese from the ability to own land or immigrate. Quota immigration policies had removed them entirely from the ability to immigrate and become citizens; however their Nisei children were proud Japanese-Americans. Some of the most decorated soldiers in history served as part of the 442nd regiment were Nisei originally here from Monterey.
Today, as we discuss immigration policies and laws, I recommend watching this film (available at your library!), research more about the constitution and interpretation, visiting the JACL Heritage Museum, and learn more about the history of our country. One piece that has stuck out in my reading is the Japanese American Creed from 1941 by Mike Masaoka:
"I am proud that I am an American Citizen of Japanese ancestry, for my very background makes me appreciate more fully the wonderful advantages of this Nation. I believe in her institutions, ideal and traditions; I glory in her heritage; I boast of her history; I trust in her future. She has granted me liberties and opportunities such as no individual enjoys in this world today. She has given me an education befitting kings. She has entrusted me with the responsibilities of the franchise. She has permitted me to build a home, to earn a livelihood, to worship, think, speak and act as I please - as a free man equal to every other man.
Although some individuals may discriminate against me I shall never become bitter or lose faith, for I know such persons are not representative of the majority of the American people. True, I shall do all in my power to discourage such practices, but I shall do it in the American way; above board, in the open, through courts of law, by education, by proving myself to be worthy of equal treatment and consideration. I am firm in my belief that American sportsmanship and attitude of fair play will judge citizenship and patriotism on the basis of action and achievement, and not on the basis of physical characteristics.
Because I believe in American, and I trust she believes in me, and because I have received innumerable benefits from her I pledge myself to do honor to her at all times and in all places, to support her Constitution, to obey her laws, to respect her Flag, to defend her against all enemies, foreign or domestic, to actively assume my duties and obligations as a citizen, cheerfully and without reservations whatsoever in the hope that I may become a better American in a great America."
You can view all of the signatures of the Monterey Petition on the CSUMB digital library.
Warmly~
Brian
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