Densho Digital Repository - Arlene Oki Interview (Densho ID: ddr-sjacl-2-37-5)

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EK: And I know... and something that you touched on as well that I was super interested in is your call for younger individuals and the younger generation to really involve themselves in the fight for equality, especially for Asian American rights. And I just don't... I think that the younger generation right now, I guess from what I've seen, there's still a lack of conversation surrounding Asian American visibility and fighting for those rights and all of that. So, I was wondering... I think that there's a lot of value and taking lessons and thoughts from individuals around me and around just you. So, I was wondering if there's anything specific that you would want the younger generation to involve themselves in to really expand the work that you've done in regards to equality and justice? I mean, not just the younger generation, but I feel like there needs to be more conversation surrounding individuals who are not part of the POC BIPOC community. So, if you want to... if you don't mind, sharing your thoughts on what the younger generation can do, and what non-BIPOC allies could also do, too?

AO: Well, that's a big question.

EK: Yeah, it is. Sorry.

AO: I really can't imagine what the younger generation really want. I think most of the younger generation just want an opportunity to excel in whatever profession they become involved in. And they want to be in an environment where they are treated equally, just like everyone else, other people, non-BIPOC people and white people. But they will do it in a very smart and strategic way. I think that the Asian qualities will still remain with you forever. And I'm not saying they're bad; they're good, but in certain situations it's not good. So, I just see a lot of good personalities. And really, the Asians that I've worked with in JACL are also, they're so nice. And in addition being smart, their personalities are just so wonderful, and it's just a pleasure to be around them. I just want, I just wish the best for them all the time. I want them to achieve their goals. But I also think that family life is very important. And having three girls and three daughters and grandchildren, I get so much joy just from being with them. They're great mothers, as well as really successful women in their careers. So, they've been able to manage both worlds very well. And their children, my grandchildren have all gone to college. Four of the seven... no, five of the seven, were on the Dean's List through college. And I'm just am so proud of them, and I think it's because they had good mothers and fathers.

EK: Absolutely, there seems to be a lot that you should be proud of, in regards to your family. And also just, I wanted to say thank you for also finding value in the younger generation as well. I think that... there's sometimes individuals who do not feel the same way about the younger generation and think that sometimes we're, the younger generation may be too radical. Or may be too... I mean, to break the status quo means to just start eliminating racial prejudice and prejudice around the LGBTQI community. I mean, it's fighting the good fight, if that really matters.