Sin of Omission
Throughout the course of American history, racial discrimination and acts of xenophobia are often reoccurring trends. Whether the acts of bigotry and prejudice were at a microscopic or macroscopic level, it heavily affected the psychological mentality and perceptions amongst those who were victimized. This is shown in a “Wilshire Bus”, a short story written by Hisaye Yamamoto to initiate a conversation and standpoint of often overlooked anti-Asian semantics. Through the hostile environment that stemmed from World War II, Yamamoto in “Wilshire Bus” uses the apparent racism as well as the division and discord between different oppressed ethnic Asian groups to explain Esther’s identity and position in society. The story of “Wilshire Bus” takes place at some time …show more content…
She at first felt kindness and compassion for him being that he is also Oriental. However, after seeing his lapel button that wrote “I AM KOREAN” (36), she felt anger and resentment. Hisaye Yamamoto clearly has important intentions for Esther’s flashback because it is meant to illustrate the lack of unity amongst the East Asian community. The Korean man's use of the button was most likely a deliberate way for people to know that he was not Japanese. Because of the extent precautions taken during the time of war, East Asian groups had no choice but to isolate themselves to their own ethnic groups in fear of captivity and targeting. The lack of support that the Asian community offered to the Japanese is the cause of her hidden resentment. Therefore, it makes sense that instead of standing up for the Chinese couple, she remains silent. It may be that she was afraid of the aggressive man, but it may also be her form of karma or retribution. Her silence during the bus ride was similar to the silence that the Koreans and Chinese had during World War
Throughout the course of American history, racial discrimination and acts of xenophobia are often reoccurring trends. Whether the acts of bigotry and prejudice were at a microscopic or macroscopic level, it heavily affected the psychological mentality and perceptions amongst those who were victimized. This is shown in a “Wilshire Bus”, a short story written by Hisaye Yamamoto to initiate a conversation and standpoint of often overlooked anti-Asian semantics. Through the hostile environment that stemmed from World War II, Yamamoto in “Wilshire Bus” uses the apparent racism as well as the division and discord between different oppressed ethnic Asian groups to explain Esther’s identity and position in society. The story of “Wilshire Bus” takes place at some time …show more content…
She at first felt kindness and compassion for him being that he is also Oriental. However, after seeing his lapel button that wrote “I AM KOREAN” (36), she felt anger and resentment. Hisaye Yamamoto clearly has important intentions for Esther’s flashback because it is meant to illustrate the lack of unity amongst the East Asian community. The Korean man's use of the button was most likely a deliberate way for people to know that he was not Japanese. Because of the extent precautions taken during the time of war, East Asian groups had no choice but to isolate themselves to their own ethnic groups in fear of captivity and targeting. The lack of support that the Asian community offered to the Japanese is the cause of her hidden resentment. Therefore, it makes sense that instead of standing up for the Chinese couple, she remains silent. It may be that she was afraid of the aggressive man, but it may also be her form of karma or retribution. Her silence during the bus ride was similar to the silence that the Koreans and Chinese had during World War