IndexJapanese-Canadian Internment in British ColumbiaThe Journey of Discovery in "Obasan"ConclusionWorks CitedAfter the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, Canada responded quickly by establishing several camps concentration camp for Japanese civilians of all ancestry, including Canadians. People in these camps have been forcibly removed from their homes, businesses, and even separated from their families. In Joy Kogawa's novel, "Obasan," the author shares the experiences of Naomi, a teacher of Japanese-Canadian descent, who gradually discovers the whereabouts and reasons behind the disappearance of several family members. Through Naomi's point of view, the novel offers readers insight into how the Japanese-Canadian internment profoundly affected the survivors of this event. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Japanese Canadian Internment in British Columbia The novel focuses primarily on the events in British Columbia and how a significant number of Japanese Canadians living there were affected by the internment. An article by Judith Roberts-Moore discusses the internment of Japanese Canadians in British Columbia. At the time, approximately twenty-two thousand Japanese Canadians lived along the coasts of British Columbia, relying on industries such as fishing to support their livelihoods and honor their heritage. Fishing was their main source of livelihood, but their boats were confiscated, depriving them of their livelihood. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the Canadian government invoked the "War Measures Act" and the "Trading with the Enemy Act" to strip Japanese Canadians of their rights and classify them as aliens. This racial discrimination led to their internment in camps, where they were subjected to forced labor and deplorable living conditions. Many were even deported from Canada to Japan, despite not having Canadian citizenship. These difficulties parallel the experiences depicted in “Obasan,” where Naomi’s family lost numerous members and faced the same family separations that occurred in the internment camps. “Obasan” uses vivid imagery to convey the mistreatment and discrimination faced by Japanese Canadians, making the experiences depicted in the book incredibly realistic. The image of a hen pecking at chicks symbolizes the unfair treatment and suffering endured by Japanese Canadians because of their heritage. Similarly, Naomi's description of a "waterhole, but a prison on the exhibition grounds" and a "protected area" along the coast illustrates the harsh reality of their situation. These descriptions serve to vividly convey the experiences of Japanese Canadians during this period. Moore's article complements the novel by providing factual information that reinforces the authenticity of the events described. The Journey of Discovery of “Obasan” At the beginning of the novel, Naomi initially does not think of delving into her family's past. Obasan advises her to put the past behind her, a sentiment Naomi has embraced for many years. However, Aunt Emily's letters and encouragement ultimately influence Naomi to revisit her family's history and the traumatic experiences she had to endure, including sexual abuse by Mr. Grower and forced relocation. As Naomi unravels her family history and explores her memories, she gains a deeper understanding of the historical context of Pearl Harbor and World War II. This..