Camp Life Clipping Essay

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A prime illustration of the ability of governments to manipulate people is the World War II confinement of Japanese Americans. A close examination of documents from the Topaz camp, Western Defense Command instructions, and Dorothea Lange's censored photos highlights the significant difference between the government's concept of forced removal and the experience of it. The government's goal is further exposed by the instructions given to Japanese Americans by the WDC. The program's forceful aspects are minimized by using euphemisms like "evacuation" and "relocation centers" to suggest a temporary move, masking the reality of forced imprisonment behind barbed wire fences. They emphasize the alleged benefits of internment, emphasizing protection from anti-Japanese violence. By emphasizing …show more content…
But the very fact that there are "Do's and Don'ts" instructions like "Do not leave the center without permission" and "Residents are not permitted to have firearms, ammunition, or other dangerous weapons" lay bare the reality of confinement. These restrictions highlight the true nature of the camps – not havens of wartime adjustment, but places of imprisonment. The restrictions outlined likely created a sense of control and discipline. The "Camp Life Clipping" scrapbook, reinforces this sanitized image by showcasing carefully chosen positive events like a well-groomed boy who appears to be enjoying his meal, and an ordinary image of girls playing softball. The human cost is shown in Lange's photos, which also highlight the divergence between the official narrative and the actual reality. The image captured by Lange, "Members of the Mochida family awaiting the evacuation bus," portrays a scene of quiet despair. To avoid being separated, the Mochida family is identifiable by tags. The picture sufficiently portrays the destruction of the economy and sense of community caused by the
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