George Takei, who played the role of science officer Sulu on the Star Trek series, tells the story of his family's time in two Japanese Internment camps during WWII. The use of a graphic format with drawings by Harmony Becker allows readers to see as well as read this powerful story.
Takei shares the gripping story of his family being ripped from their home and business and transported by train to a camp in Arkansas. Only four years old at the time, Takei recalls trying to stay strong for his younger brother and sister despite the fact that he didn't understand what was happening. The family of five where forced to live in a horse stall in the first camp. Later they were transferred to another facility where they shared two small rooms.
Takei's father was elected to leadership roles in the two camps. He was instrumental in helping educate and instruct other Japanese Americans as they navigated their way through the government imprisonment. He could also understand and interpret the various laws passed by the U.S. government that further removed the rights of these Americans simply because of the circumstance of their births.
There are definite comparisons made between the internment camps and what is happening to migrant families today. It seems that the U.S. government hasn't learn from the lessons of the past.
Artwork by Harmony Becker furthers the story and allows readers to easily visualize conditions in these camps. Takei includes discussion with his father after their release as he tried to understand why the government mistreated Japanese Americans. THEY CALLED US ENEMY provides an important look at a terrible time in U.S. history.
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