Topic > Review of the two sides' argument regarding the Japanese internment camps

Shortly after the horrific events of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the lives of hundreds of thousands of ethnic Japanese people, both foreigners and citizens of the United States , would be changed in some important ways. Executive Order 9066, signed two and a half months after these events, allowed the government to remove any person deemed “undesirable” from certain military areas. This order eventually led to the forced movement of most ethnic Japanese, who were sent to internment camps set up across the nation. Families had to leave behind their lifestyle and possessions, carrying only small suitcases filled with supplies from their past lives. The camps consisted of hastily built barracks, where each family had a room with very few supplies inside. This article, Preserving the National Security of Japanese American Internment or Violating the Rights of Japanese Americans?, written by Jennifer Dunham, explains the two sides people argue about internment camps: Were the internment camps justified considering the situation , or the internment camps were unconstitutional and immoral. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayThe side arguing in favor of internment camps argues that these measures had to be adopted out of military necessity. The article explains that “Japanese Americans still loyal to Japan could constitute a 'fifth column' that was sympathetic to the Japanese war effort, internment advocates argued. That “fifth column” could sabotage key installations on the West Coast or aid Japan in an invasion, they warned.” Supporters describe how such a high risk to national security cannot be ignored once again. The security of military areas was very important, so supporters argue that these large events were organized to ensure the security of these areas. According to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, "There was no time to investigate families, or to 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 broadest justifications for the internment camps. Supporters also argue that Japanese living in America were likely to be involved in violent race riots due to the negative perception of Japanese ethnicity during this period. The possibility that the Japanese present in the United States will seriously damage military installations, as well as other reasons, are some of the justifications used by supporters. Those who oppose the use of internment camps explain that the executive order targeted people solely on the basis of race and unconstitutionally confined both foreigners and U.S. citizens. Eugene Rostow wrote that "all in all, the case of the Japanese Americans is the worst blow our liberties have suffered for many years." These people were treated like criminals, even though they had no formal charges against them. Opponents say they were forced into all this simply because of their race. Author Jennifer Dunham writes, "[Opponents] argued that the U.S. government should devote time and effort to separating ethnic Japanese who were most likely to aid the enemy from the vast majority of those who were loyal." They explained that there were no convictions for espionage by the interned Japanese Americans. The.