<Begin Segment 44>

AI: Well, then of course, things have, had changed in the world, too. And just the year after that, 2001, we had the attacks of September 11th. And I'm wondering, when you heard that news, what did you think? What went through your mind?

BS: Well, in the beginning it was such a shock, but then when, after things kind of quieted down, you see, it was a certain group of people and they looked different and people were getting taken in and stuff. And it was like oh, it's like what we went through. And they looked different, and of course, I don't know if some were, most of 'em probably were innocent but they looked different and maybe they belonged to an organization or they were leaders, or, and they were taken in. And it was like, it's happening again. And it was good because Japanese American groups did speak out in support of the Muslims and Arab Americans.

AI: Did it bring back some bad memories for you?

BS: Well, it was... well, kind of thinking that, well they, well even, was it during the first Gulf War they were talking about having internment camps and things and I was saying, "Oh no, it's happening, it could happen again."

AI: That's very true. And it's... as time has passed, then there have been some changes made to the laws, the Patriot Act was passed.

BS: Yes.

AI: And now they're considering further legislation on civil rights.

BS: Uh-huh, that's why -- yeah, their rights are being violated. And 'cause it's still on the books that they can still do that and that has to be removed.

AI: Well, I'm wondering, as we, we're here in the current situation with these kinds of events going on, if you were going to give some thought or some message to younger generations of people, younger people now, what kind of message would you like to give them or thought you'd like to give them?

BS: Well, that they, if they see an injustice that they shouldn't stand by and let it happen. Speak out and be supportive of groups that, whose civil rights are being violated. And, 'cause... they need support. And having experienced this, gone through that, that we needed someone to speak out for us and encourage us and give us support. So don't be the "quiet American," and speak out for any injustice that they see. And oh, I wanted to mention that while we were in camp, the Quakers were very supportive. And I mean as a child, Christmas time they said, oh, there would be a Santa Claus at the mess hall. And we would, children would get gifts. And I understand that they were from the Quakers.

AI: So that was one group that did --

BS: Uh-huh.

AI: -- stand up and help. Is there anything else that you recall that you wanted to mention or any other comment that you wanted to make?

BS: No. That I'm proud of Art that he is willing to go out and speak and he's not the type who is a public speaker but he has to speak out for his grandparents, all those who suffered being pulled from their country and being interned and some being sent, sent to Japan. And he, and they're gone. His, his father and his grandparents and friends. He has to speak out. And I'm glad that he is.

AI: Well, you've shared so much with us and I really appreciate it. Thank you so much.

BS: Thank you.

<End Segment 44> - Copyright © 2003 Densho. All Rights Reserved.