They Called Us Enemy By George Takei Sparknotes

In the novel, They Called Us Enemy, the author, activist, and actor George Takei, shares his experience at a Japanese internment camp in a talk show because he was a part of one when he was a little boy. The novel starts off where George's father wakes him in fear and stress because he is trying to get them all packed up and ready to go as the armed soldiers were instructing them to leave their house imminently. On December 7, 1941, George and his family were decorating their home for Christmas when they heard on the radio that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor. The following day, President Roosevelt declared war on Japan. After the war was declared, many people wanted Japanese people to be banished. On February 19, 1942, the president issued Executive Order 9066, whose outcome was that all Japanese

George and his family have a long and tiring train ride until they reach their destination, Santa Anita Racetrack. They are going to live in the horse stables on the Racetrack. The stall they are living in is very humid and small for 5 people. Shortly after, George's father is chosen to be the block manager, the representative of all the prisoners living in the camp. George does not have a pleasant time at the camp because he is getting picked on by other kids at the camp. Although the people in the camps are going through a difficult time, they all celebrate Christmas together and the kids all get gifts from “Santa”. In January 1943, a questionnaire about their loyalty became mandatory for all camp adults. The questionnaire is about relatives, criminal records, memberships in organizations, and many more.