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Stories

Baseball Saved Us

This lesson plan discusses prejudice against Japanese Americans during World War II and life in the internment camps.

Read Aloud Book: Baseball Saved Us

Story: Ken Mochizuki
Illustration: Dom Lee
ISBN-13:  978-1880000199
C3 Framework Key term: Human rights: Rights or freedoms possessed by all people by virtue of their being human.

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Synopsis

A young boy tells about how his life was interrupted by internment in a fenced camp in the desert. He notes the negative effects on his brother and his father determination to find a constructive activity for children and adults. Using scarce resources, everybody contributes their share and together build a baseball field. Coming back home after the war, the boy continues to face stereotypes and prejudice.

Discussion

Say: Executive order 9066 signed by President Roosevelt after the attack on Pearl Harbor mandated the relocation of all people of Japanese ancestry outside of the Pacific military zone. This zone included California and the parts of Washington and Oregon between the ocean and the Cascade mountains. While the order claimed it was a national security matter, it did not distinguish between US-born citizens and immigrants, children, elderly, women, and other vulnerable populations. Relocation centers were in remote places. Families had to share living spaces and had limited clothing and possessions. Ask: In a place that offered very little work and education opportunities, why was the baseball field important?

Ethics Connection

Distribute copies of Public Law 100-383 (1988) – Congress Apologies for the Relocation of Japanese-Americans in WWII. Say: When basic human rights are violated, apologies are not sufficient. But they are necessary and should reflect the commitment of society to learn from the past take action to prevent such violation from happening again. Apologies are essential for healing and reconciliation. Sincere apologies mark a turning point in relationships and efforts to protect human rights.  In your table groups, discuss what a sincere apology should include. For example, what facts about the suffering of people should apologies include? How can the apology assure victims that steps have been taken to prevent from history to repeat itself? Provide feedback on students’ work. Comment on the inclusion of the following points:
1. A retelling of what happened.
2. Unambiguous condemnation of the actions.
3. Recognition of the scope of the damage.
4. Taking responsibility for repair, compensation, and prevention.
Conclude: Countries and states have apology laws that can prevent escalation of conflicts. The laws are necessary because officials or professionals may try to avoid an apology, claiming the harm was done unintentionally or by others. But like in personal relationships, apologies are necessary for rebuilding trust.

Challenge Activity

Invite students to hold a classroom debate on the question: Should state and local agencies also apologize for their role in Japanese internment? Prompt:  While local officials did not shape the policy or signed the executive order, they played a roled by publicly advocating for the relocation of members of their communities. Say: in your arguments address all elements of an apology: retelling, condemnation, recognition of harm, and responsibility for reparation.  

Fun Activity

Say: Collect information about The World Baseball Classic (WBC) – the international baseball tournament that includes 16 countries and territories. Bonus points: Answer the following question: Can international sports tournments promote world peace?

Ethics
social studies