On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor changed the lives of thousands of Japanese Americans, including Mama and her family. As they are uprooted from their home and forced into internment camps, Mama’s character undergoes a profound transformation that shapes her identity and her role in the community. Mama from Farewell to Manzanar is a strong and courageous woman who fought for her family’s survival during World War II. She evolves from a passive victim of discrimination to a powerful and compassionate leader who navigates her family through the challenges of internment. Her journey underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community in times of adversity.
At the beginning of the book, it stated on page 25 that "Mama had been brought up to be obedient to her husband. It was her duty to obey him, no matter what. That was the way it was in Japan, and that was the way it was in America." From that quote, we learn that Mama is portrayed as a submissive and obedient wife who is resigned to her fate as a Japanese American in a hostile country. She is
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She felt it was her responsibility to fight for people's rights, and she was inspired by the strength and courage of those who fought for equality. "I couldn't sit by idly and do nothing while my people suffered," Mama was quoted as saying. She rose to prominence as a powerful advocate for social justice and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Japanese Americans. She, for example, takes part in protests, organizes educational programs, and advocates for the legal fight against internment. Mama's bravery and determination were so powerful that she began to inspire others who Mama had previously looked up to. The community wanted to take action and stand up for their own dignity and freedom, which were under