Blog #10- Japanese Internment Memorial

These images are just two frames that were integrated into the memorial monument seen during class. The depict the lives experienced by the Japanese that were forced into internment camps during and after the transition. Many were forced to leave behind their valued belongings, only to be placed into a tightly confined area that was tightly guarded.
I personally found it hard to connect with this particular form of art (sculpture), and would have been more influenced by photography or film. However, I was able to perceive a piece that respected the experiences of many Japanese-Americans during WWII.
Unfortunately, Japanese-Americans experienced events highly similar to the Jewish and other cultures that were ostracized by Hitler and the German Nazis. They were targeted simply on a basis of their ethnicity, regardless if they had no involvement with the Japanese and the attack of Pearl Harbor.
Pieces such as this help reflect upon the emotional, political and ethical turbulence prompted by bigotry and rash decisions. People have historically made ill-advised decisions that were a result of their social ignorance. Yet, despite past occurrences, they [as a society], have continued to repeat past mistakes.
It's as if there is an act now, think later mind frame. It is because of this that society has not only repeatedly made the same mistakes, but will continue to make them as well.
Take into consideration the terrorist attacks that occurred nearly a decade ago. Immediately following the attack, many individuals of Middle Eastern decent were scrutinized by American citizens. Anyone that visually resembled the terrorists could potentially be interrogated. There was also a noticeable increase in the number of hatecrimes targeted towards Middle Eastern Americans. Nearly a decade later, there still tends to be a stigma associated with them.
Society's tendency to react out of fear continues to have a detrimental effect on its efforts to improve tollerance. Hence, it becomes increasingly important that society learn from past mistakes in order to prevent further chaos.