A Different "Dilemma"

Abstract

In the Foreword, Peter I. Rose suggests that this work by William Petersen at once a comprehensive history and a sociological analysis of Japanese-Americans, one of the least known-or better stated, least understood-of the many ethnic groups in the United Petersen does more than provide an ethnic history and a sociological analysis. He raises fundamental questions of value regarding the role of positive law and societal action in enabling aggrieved minorities to become socially mobile and to control pathologies. Chapter 1 on The Anomaly of Japanese-Americans sets the stage for the puzzle raised by the positive and highly praised adaptations to unremitting oppression (Petersen's term) without the support of law or of activists in the dominant community. To Petersen, the Japanese in America have become our prize subnation . . . where there is no parallel to this success story. They appear to be the exception to the rule that when opportunities-even equal opportunities-are opened up, many of the minority react to them with either self-defeating apathy or hatred so all-consuming as to be self-destructive. . . . In particular, the Japanese case (unlike that of the American Negro) constitutes the outstanding exception to the generalization that past oppression blocks present progress. In a contrary mood, selfand otherdestructive rage and hostility erupt in the face of continuing denigration of themselves and others like themselves. Given this crisis, which Petersen himself so clearly identifies, do we move from a limited reading of Sumner's works to justify ethnic chauvinism and laissez-faire professional postures? Or do we, as James S. Coleman has done, seek out theoretical formulations and encourage likely policy alternatives to reduce the burden of oppression on guiltless descendants of African immigrants? Can we, at the same time, come to see our histories for what they are? The reviewer can only agree with Petersen that systematic scholarship is essential in tracing out comparative histories and adaptations to muddle through this thicket of issues in both theory and practice. Chapters 2-4 describe the history of oppression in Hawaii and the continental United States. Chapter 2, The Migration, discusses the selective recruitment of the typical emigrant to Hawaii and to the Mainland. Petersen then recounts the history of extra-legal and legal domination involving educational segregation, restrictive residential practices, limiting economic practices, and deprivation of citizenship rights. The gentleman's agreement, restricting immigration to very specific classes of Japanese, is described. Petersen discusses the deprivation entailed by alien status, the impact of dual nationality on individuals and households, and the growth of adaptive community organizations, including language schools. Chapter 4 on The Camps describes the forcible incarceration and unconstitutional deprivation of rights of citizenship and property during World War II. Essentially, Petersen suggests that the Japanese have survived and thrived without support of the law or the backing of the dominant white society. Chapters 5 and 6 describe the positive adaptations achieved by this population despite the multiple incursions into their economic, political, education,and household activities over the years. Chaptk 5, Six Times Down, Seven Times Up, recounts the rapid recovery of the mainland Japanese from the dispossession of rights and property, from the 2-3 years of incarceration in the camps during World War II, and from the indifference to requests for legal and administrative redress for loss of property and income. Petersen goes on to describe the low rates of pathology of the Japanese in Hawaii and on the Mainland. The next four chapters search for explanations for these extremely positive outcomes under denigration. Chapter 7 describes the rise of the nationstate and the continuity in national character among the immigrants and their children. Chapter 8 analyzes the pragmatic, nondogmatic, pluralistic qualities of religious affiliation and participation in both Japan and in the New World. Variability in religious content and institutional form suggest to Petersen that religion is not a critical influence in the development of mobility and low pathology. Chapter 9 on The Family indicates that certain