Hatsue and Kabuo, although American citizens, are seen as terrorist in society’s eyes. The label “Jap” becomes etched within their skin as they grow up being unaccepted by the community. Hatsue’s reaction towards being defined as a“Jap” leads her to question her moral standings. “‘Nobody knows who they are now…’ Hatsue knew immediately that her mother was right.” (Guterson 201). She struggles with her duty to follow familial expectations, and her instinct to become socially accepted. This leads her to question her identity which causes havoc in the midst of her life. The demeaning comments affect Kabuo in a different manner. Instead of questioning who he is, he reassures his notion of what it means to be Japanese. Kabuo accepts his label and holds an internal anger towards the community. “‘They hate anyone who looks like the soldiers they fought. That’s what I’m doing here.’”(Guterson 391). Kabuo holds resentment towards the community due to the history of treatment of the neighboring Japanese community, while still maintaining his dignity of being Japanese. There is no shame in his culture, he holds shame with the American population as most of the citizens cannot see past appearance. However, throughout his trial he acknowledges that the term “Jap” automatically defines his persona which leads to a
Hatsue and Kabuo, although American citizens, are seen as terrorist in society’s eyes. The label “Jap” becomes etched within their skin as they grow up being unaccepted by the community. Hatsue’s reaction towards being defined as a“Jap” leads her to question her moral standings. “‘Nobody knows who they are now…’ Hatsue knew immediately that her mother was right.” (Guterson 201). She struggles with her duty to follow familial expectations, and her instinct to become socially accepted. This leads her to question her identity which causes havoc in the midst of her life. The demeaning comments affect Kabuo in a different manner. Instead of questioning who he is, he reassures his notion of what it means to be Japanese. Kabuo accepts his label and holds an internal anger towards the community. “‘They hate anyone who looks like the soldiers they fought. That’s what I’m doing here.’”(Guterson 391). Kabuo holds resentment towards the community due to the history of treatment of the neighboring Japanese community, while still maintaining his dignity of being Japanese. There is no shame in his culture, he holds shame with the American population as most of the citizens cannot see past appearance. However, throughout his trial he acknowledges that the term “Jap” automatically defines his persona which leads to a