Analysis Of No-No Boy By John Okada

In America, and estimate of 7.6% of people will experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at some time during their life (What Is PTSD). PTSD can be caused by extreme trauma on an individual in situations such as sexual assault, combat situations (military or terrorist), and serious accidents (What Is PTSD). In the story No-No Boy written by John Okada, Kenji, a soldier that served in WWII, experiences signs of PTSD that causes problems with his relationship with his family and friends that can be seen by his abuse of alcohol and drugs, avoidance of social contact, and signs of depression. Kenji chose to volunteer for the army in order to prove that he loved America and would die for his country. At this time in American history, Japanese citizens were being placed into internment camps because of the fear of espionage and that they would turn on other Americans. Instead of being placed into the pacific theater, Kenji fought in Europe and Italy against the German soldiers and sustained an injury that led to a loss of his leg. Along with the injury, Kenji most likely also contracted osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone marrow, causing him to constantly require surgery to remove the infected areas. Even though it is not foretold within the story, Kenji most likely suffered a traumatic experience during the war and at …show more content…
People with PTSD tend to show symptoms of depression, substance abuse, and avoidance in order to cope with their problems. In the story No-No Boy written by John Okada, Kenji displays many of these symptoms of PTSD that are most likely caused by the loss of his leg during his tour in Europe and Italy in WWII. Unfortunately, there is no real cure for PTSD, therapy and medications can help but can be expensive and draining, leaving many veterans to experience the same things that Kenji is going