Cases Quote by Henry Steele Commager
“It is sobering to recall that though the Japanese relocation program, carried through at such incalculable cost in misery and tragedy, was justified on the ground that the Japanese were potentially disloyal, the record does not disclose a single case of Japanese disloyalty or sabotage during the whole war…”
About This Quote
Source Historical Essay: “The Japanese American Internment”, 1965
The passage highlights the irony that the massive internment of Japanese Americans, justified by alleged disloyalty, never produced evidence of such disloyalty, exposing the injustice of the policy.
In simple terms: Internment was based on fear, not fact.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions before acting.
Themes
justice
civil rights
war
racism
policy
Mood
somber
critical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- education
- public policy
- civil rights advocacy
Key Concepts
historical analysis
civil liberties
government overreach
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards prevent similar injustices?
- How can societies heal from past wrongs?
A Different Perspective
Overcoming entrenched prejudice is difficult.
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