Remember when the American government unjustly incarcerated 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry, most of whom were American citizens, during World War II? Mas Hashimoto will compare how Japanese American incarceration during Wprld War II and the massive discrimination of Muslims post 9-11 are both founded in hate and racism. Learn how “Make America Great Again” really translates to “Make America White Again.”  Learn about what you can do to stop this form of racism and take active steps to protect everyone’s civil and human rights. 

Mas Hashimoto was a child when his family was taken from their Watsonville home in 1942.  He was sent to a federal prisoner-of-war camp during World War II because of racism, war hysteria, and political leadership failure. Mas taught US History in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District until his retirement. He speaks to groups of students about the wartime experience of Japanese Americans during World War II to ensure that this injustice never repeats itself again. Mas also headed the Re-enactment of the Incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II: “Liberty Lost; Lessons in Loyalty” in 2002, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Watsonville-Santa Cruz chapter Japanese American Citizens League. 

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Mas Hashimoto: Racism and America’s concentration camps | Mas Hashimoto | TEDxMeritAcademy

Racism and America’s concentration camps | Mas Hashimoto | TEDxMeritAcademy

At six, Mas Hashimoto became a prisoner in his own country, spotlighting a dark chapter of WWII America's history of racism.

Hashimoto draws parallels between WWII Japanese American incarceration and post-9/11 discrimination, advocating vigilance.

History of racism in America's immigration policy reveals a pattern of discrimination, urging a reevaluation of 'national security.'