Skip to content

I'm Asian, so they assumed I'm not an American and that I…

“I'm Asian, so they assumed I'm not an American and that I come from Japan. Restaurants would refuse to serve me, and places would refuse to give you a haircut.” quote by Fred Korematsu
Download Open image
“I'm Asian, so they assumed I'm not an American and that I come from Japan. Restaurants would refuse to serve me, and places would refuse to give you a haircut.”

Fred Korematsu

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People faced discrimination based on mistaken ethnic assumptions, leading to exclusion from services.

In simple terms: Misidentification caused bias and denial of basic services.

Key Takeaway

Challenge stereotypes and demand equal treatment.

Themes

discrimination identity bias

Mood

frustrated defiant hopeful

Type

social political

When to use this quote

  • restaurant service
  • haircut services
  • public accommodations
  • employment
  • housing

Key Concepts

racism social exclusion microaggression

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can institutions better train staff to avoid bias?
  • What personal actions can counteract such discrimination?
A Different Perspective

Prejudice can persist despite legal protections.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Fred Korematsu

Explore all 27 Fred Korematsu quotes

More American quotes

Browse all 7,717 American quotes