Principles in moments of crisis
This unit examined how the US government’s response to World War II, especially the internment of Japanese-Americans, revealed deep contradictions in American democracy. Policies like Executive Order 9066 reflected a willingness to sacrifice constitutional values — such as due process and equal protection — in the name of national security. Propaganda further distorted public perception, using fear-based narratives to justify injustice. Meanwhile, Americans on the home front made sacrifices through rationing and labor shifts, while others, like Japanese-Americans, were unjustly imprisoned. These experiences exposed how wartime pressures challenged the nation’s legal principles, creating a profound tension between stated democratic ideals and political realities.
Amid this crisis, baseball emerged as both a cultural touchstone and a form of subtle resistance. It reinforced national values like perseverance and teamwork but also became a means of reclaiming dignity for those interned. In the film American Pastime, baseball unites the Nomura family and their fellow internees, offering moments of identity and pride within the oppressive confines of the camp. Lyle’s service in the 442nd and Kaz’s formation of a baseball league both show how Japanese-Americans asserted their patriotism and humanity despite marginalization. Through the lens of baseball, the unit reveals how American identity was contested, reclaimed, and symbolically defended.
Ultimately, this unit tied together legal, cultural, and emotional narratives to explore how America wrestled with its conscience during wartime. The juxtaposition of constitutional crisis and popular culture shows how ordinary people navigated extraordinary injustice, and how acts of resistance — even through sport — reflected enduring ideals. The internment experience, told through policy and film, underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting civil liberties, especially in times of national fear. The lasting takeaway is clear: a true democracy must defend its principles not only in peace, but even more so in moments of crisis.
Your final thoughts
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