Hidden History Revealed

While the establishment of Japanese internment camps post the Pearl Harbor bombing is sometimes ignored, it should be recognized because it illuminates another perspective of American history. Upworthy's article "In 1942, Japanese-Americans were placed in internment camps. Decades later, we can’t forget the lesson left behind" showed me that there will always be parts of history that will be kept secret. My teacher once told me that only the “winners of history” are the ones writing textbooks.

75 years ago, Lange was hired to photograph Japanese-Americans who were placed in the internment camps in the 20th century. The US Government did not want these photos revealed because officials thought it would give the nation a dishonorable image. Because of this, the Lange’s photos were locked away; however, they were just released last December. Do you think the actions by the US government were justified? Check it out with the link below!

http://www.upworthy.com/21-powerful-photos-show-what-life-inside-a-japanese-internment-camp-was-like

These photos should not have been hidden by the government because it is important to accept our history despite the morality of it. The age of discrimination against the Japanese-Americans post the Pearl Harbor bombing is looked at as a “scar” on American history. Though this part of history reveals a “damaged” side of America, it should not be tucked away. It was righteous to publish these photos to show the world that America can be flawed as well. Furthermore, the copies will help illuminate that humans must learn from history and past mistakes. Americans are ashamed of the Japanese internment camps just like many Europeans are humiliated by the concentration camps that the Nazis instituted. Even though the United States government hoped for the photos to stay undercover, it was vital that they were released, as a learning opportunity.