Speech Codes on Campus

Many universities create speech codes to combat the evident discrimination and harassment on campus, especially those that are directed towards a specific minority group. Many believe these speech codes limit peoples' rights to free speech, but I believe some rules and boundaries are necessary in order to maintain a respectful and safe environment for students and visitors. The pictures shown at fraternity parties are very inappropriate and disrespectful. I believe this behavior should be outlawed because it is offensive, inappropriate, deragotary, and may cause violence. This behavior is not an appropriate way to show school spirit and support for a specific fraternity. Passion and support can be expressed in different ways that are more respectful and appropriate. For example, one might wear a shirt of their fraternity's or sell shirts or wrist bands; one can try to recruit others into their fraternity. One needs to be respectful towards themselves, their peers, their mentors, and their community.

Many argue that speech codes restrain them from expressing themselves, but many also oppose this idea and believe they are necessary to keep some sort of order on campus. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) tries to defend and sustain individual rights at colleges and universities. FIRE's core mission is to "protect the unprotected and to educate the public and communities of concerned Americans about the threats to these rights on our campuses," and by doing so one will also learn how to preserve these rights and maintain peace. FIRE therefore, opposes speech codes and the current censorship at campuses. It defends one's rights and freedom of expression. FIRE challenges speech codes, which I find necessary in a school. A school always needs some sort of boundaries because if there are none, many students will take advantage of this and act in uncivil and disrespectful manners. One may use fighting words, express their racist and close-minded views, offend someone and their beleifs, and may express themselves with hatred. FIRE is giving students a type of freedom that is dangerous; they are allowing students to say or do whatever they want because it is their right to do so. FIRE protects this and I believe they shouldn't. There needs to be codes to prevent violence, especially in universities because it is then that students find the need to explore and find the sense of belonging. Restrictions are needed to protect other students and the community.

From the FIRE website, I looked up Illinois State University to see if there are any speech codes or restrictions on expressive rights. There are policies regarding harassment, stating that it is not tolerated, whether it is verbal or physical harassment. I believe this policy is needed because it shows the seriousness of such a crime and will protect students. If students openly express that the values the school believes in are unnecessary and ridiculous, it will not be tolerated. All students must put an effort to follow these values: character, civility, conscience, citizenship, an appreciation of diversity, and individual and social responsibility. I believe the value that is not followed often is the appreciation of diversity. Many fail to do this and focus on harassing those that look different or practice a different culture. Everyone should be accepted for who they are and what culture they believe in. There is also a policy at ISU stating that one must inform the university before hosting an vent where they will be expressing themselves. I find this to be a very reasonable policy becuase it does not restrict students from expressing themselves, but encourages them to do so in a respectful and organized manner. I believe these policies are necessary.

The policies of ISU make me feel more secure. It does not feel as if they are stripping away my right to freedom of speech and expression. I am still able to express myself in an orderly manner, just shouldn't direct it towards a specific person or group of persons. To know that this university cares for their student's safety, makes me want to apply. I know I will not be targeted at the university. I feel as if students respect these codes and try to follow, but there will always be the few that express that they are limiting their freedoms. There will always be the crazy parties with disrespectful behavior, but I just need to make the right decision and leave to show that I do not support the behavior and beliefs they are trying to relay to others. I would not create a scene or uproar regarding the difference between views, but would simply not support them. Although these codes will not be followed 100 percent of the time, they will still provide some protection for other students.

Always Remember 9/11

Nine and eleven were just two numbers to me. They never meant anything special. They only meant that it was my cousin's birthday the next day and my brother's birthday in eleven more days. These numbers didn't mean anything to anyone until 9/11/2001, when terrorists bombed the World Trade Center and the Twin Towers collapsed. People with cameras turned towards the attack and recorded what was happening. With this documentary, I truly learned what this event was and understood its impact on others. It was so powerful because the video recorder was in the towers and outside. I was able to see what was truly going on inside, and how the community was reacting outside the towers. We saw the frustration, confusion, and fear in the firefighters' and pedestrians' eyes. I felt as if I was looking through this lense of the camera. It felt as if I was running from the collapsing towers. As if I was digging and searching for bodies. Walking out of the classroom each day, my happiness was not brilliant. Instead, I felt priveleged to be alive, lucky that  I was not in New York. I respected those who put their own life at risk to save others. I was shocked that such an event occured in America, that people have so much hatred to kill thousands of innocent people. This film opened my eyes and helped me understand what truly occured at ground zero and what 9/11 was and why we take the time to remember those that passed, those that survived, and those that became heroes that day.

After reading the articles, I again got another perspective of 9/11. I got a new meaning of what it truly means to be a survivor and a victim. An article stated, "All Americans are peripheral survivors, in that we were all traumatized by the events of that day and had our lives impacted and changed by their fallout." I had never thought of myself as a survivor. I always thought that those at the site were survivors, but after reading this article I do agree to some extent. We were all taken by surprise by the event and impacted in some way, no matter how far we lived from the actual Twin Towers. All of America was affected; security tightened, paranoia was more evident among people, fear replaced the sense of safety, peace turned into slight chaos, saddness replaced the happiness, tears replaced smiles, families tore apart, friends went missing, 9/11 was the mark of a sad day with more to follow. Therefore, we are all considered survivors. Even to this day people are struggling, especially from sicknesses due to the toxins that were exposed. Many families struggle financially to help their loved ones that have been affected by the toxins. They wonder why they were punished for helping the country and risking their own life. People believe it is the rest of America's "moral obligation to provide our 9/11 heroes with all the care they need." We only owe it to them. . .

I was in first grade the day this occured. I was innocent and too young to understand or care. I never really grasped what had happened until recently. I knew what happened that day, but it never occured to me that it did in a way impact me, I just never noticed. I'm not one to rethink entering a plane; I don't question a loud airplane; I don't question the amount of security we have today; I don't discriminate and judge others because they are Muslim, black, Asian, or gay, etc. I feel as if I grew up with this security. I don't remember any change. In a way, it saddens me that I don't remember this day, but at the same time I am glad my parents kept didn't go in depth while explaining. It saddens me to not feel something personal or remember the day because I want to honor those that saved lives,  I want to give my respect and remember. Remembering is what I struggle with. But when I saw the film, I lived through 9/11. It gave me a new and better understanding of what this day was. It opened my eyes to the world. It showed me that I am not always safe. From now on, every year, I will remember this day and  I will pray.

Students' Right to Free Speech

The First Amendment in the Bill of Rights states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." I reitterate, shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech. . .

The justice system in America tries to maintain justice and equality to keep the existing peace. It is their duty to interpret the Constitution, enforce laws, and punish those who disobey the laws. A common topic of interest in law is one's freedom of speech. People question how much freedom they have and what they are and aren't allowed to say. There have been many disputes regarding this, starting with the Tinker v. Des Moines case. In this case, Mary Beth Tinker chose to disobey a rule the school had enforced stating that they were not allowed to wear armbands showing any sort of affiliation. Tinker, beleiving this was unfair, chose to continue wearing the armband to show her opposition towards the Vietnam War. When the dispute was brought to court the judge concluded that there was no clear disruption or danger to other students, therefore she should not have been punished because it was her free right to speech.

The Tinker case was one of the first cases to deal with freedom of speech and as the years passed, the court concluded that people lose this right when they impose danger or disrupt the surrounding peace. Tinker was not doing either of those, but simply trying to show her opposition with a wristband. She was not verbally expressing herself in a manner that was immature or inappropriate. She was using symbolic speech by wearing this armband. She was not using "fighting words" or causing "distress or violence." Tinker had the right to express herself freely.

Once again, the question comes up: what is covered under one's right to free speech? I believe individuals have every right to express themselves, but that they do so in a mature and appropriate way. People can make a point and send a message without using vulgar language and violence, or disrupting peace. But when one does not follow these guidelines, it is the court's duty to punish him or her. In America, people have been raised to respect one another and themselves, yet people still fail to express themselves in a respectful manner.

Parliament of the Youth - Βουλή τών Εφήβων 2011

The last day at the Parliament-all 300 members

On Wednesday, September 7th, 2011, I had my first day of school as a senior at Deerfield High School. I missed school to be in Greece and participate in the Parliament of Youth Program. To enter into this program, I entered into an optional, world-wide, Greek essay competition through the Greek school I attend on Saturdays. Of the 12,000 students who entered into this competition, 300 students were selected: 260 from Greece, 20 from Cyprus, and 20 from the Hellenic diaspora. I was one of the two representatives from the USA. Being chosen, the Hellenic Parliament sponsored my trip to Greece to participate in their Parliament of Youth Program where I presented my opinion and voted on the government's bills.

This program acted as a simulation of the Greek Parliament and allowed us to discuss the challenges that encompass us in front of other youth representatives, committee members, and government officials. The Greek Parliament is split into five committees, just as we were: 1) cultural affairs,  2) defense and foreign affairs, 3) economic affairs, production, and trade, 4) social affairs, and 5) public administration, public order, and justice. I was in the cultural affairs committee and discussed the combat against violence at athletic events in Greece, while other committees discussed the modern provisions of Greek citizenship, the acceleration of growth of renewable sources of energy, the application of equal treatment of men and women on issues regarding work and employment, and the penal provisions, therapeutic, and safety measures regarding narcotic substances.

The President of the Parliament in Greece

The second day of the program, my committee went to the Parliament of Greece where we expressed ourselves regarding the combat against violence at athletic events. Many members of the program took the opportunity to speak in front of the Prime Minister of Greece, the President of the Parliament, Committee members, a famous author, and our fellow youth parliament members and friends. Upon entering the Parliament, I had decided I would not speak due to my fear of public speaking, especially in Greek. However, as people were called up to speak, my viewpoint slowly changed and I quickly prepared a speech in Greek. I went up to the podium, before all the present important figures and friends, and expressed that the bill should be enforced to improve the safety and save lives. While speaking, I represented Chicago, most importantly America, and shared how different life is here and in Greece; there are no major issues regarding violence at athletic games in America because of how we are raised. We are raised to be responsible and respectful towards ourselves, our peers, adults, the community, the government, and our nation. We are hard-working and determined, which helps us pursue anything we believe. My insight varied from almost all of my friends and fellow youth members because I live outside of Greece. I helped open other peoples' eyes and mind to the world and I thank other Greeks for enlightening me.

Half the members of my committee

On the last day of the program, all 300 members went to the Parliament to share their opinions on each issue that each committee was assigned. Fourteen members spoke, four being international. After everyone spoke, we voted on each bill that was made. The President of the Parliament thanked us for our insight on each bill and we thanked him for giving us this opportunity to express ourselves and participate in the Parliament of the Youth Program. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget. I learned how the Greek Government works and how bills become laws.

Participating in this program reminded me how important it is to keep my Greek heritage close to me. I met 19 other members that live outside of Greece, just like me. There were members from Canada, New York, South Africa, Egypt, Sudan, Israel, Alexandria, Scotland, Australia, Germany, Congo, and Belgium. This showed me that despite all our differences and distance from eachother, we all have one similarity: our Hellenic descent. We are all proud to be Greek and find it vital to spread our Greek culture to future generations so it will never die off. Greece had the first famous philosophers and the first functional democracy. Greece can be considered the roots of other countries' growth. Therefore I feel that it is necessary that I continue to keep my Greek heritage.

To the new friends I made at the Parliament of the Youth: I could not have shared this experience with anyone better. The four days we spent together were some of the most memorable days of my life. I hope you have a successful year in school--stay determined and hard-working, but most importantly have fun. Good luck in college, I hope to be re-united with you next summer.

Dear Mr. Kramer,

The post I would like you to grade from third quarter would be my first post, "American Dreams: Lost and Found." Although this post is my first, it represents a great start to my blog. It shows how I was willing to put forth the effort to create a meaningful post. I shared my initial reactions of  C.P. Ellis and Vine Deloria's stories and analyzed quotes that I thought were important. I also brought in some of my personality and shared something personal about my family. I drew a parallel between C.P. Ellis and my grandfather because they were both searching for place that felt like home. Both were determined, but one naturally struggled more than the other. C.P. Ellis' story questioned the worth of one's life and values, as well as their determination. Vine Deloria's story also relates to these questions because she acknowledged the difficulty of mixing with one another. She believed that it was hard to leave one's customs and traditions to create or follow new ones. Deloria's family chose to not conform and mix in the United States melting pot to preserve their traditions. I believe Deloria's family was smart in not conforming because today I follow Greek Orthodox customs with my family and am proud that I do so. In conclusion, I am proud of this post and it layed out a good start for my blog.

My second post I would like you to grade from fourth quarter is "Working: Dolores Dante and Phil Stallings." This is one of my last posts and shows how much I have progressed over the semester. This post as well shares my initial reactions on each story, but goes more in depth and shares more quotes with analysis. I believe this post demonstrates my understanding of the stories because I even contrasted the two and shared my own opinions on what each figure should do. I argued that Dante should not feel guilt for being good at her job and that Stallings should have quit his job to enjoy life, be happier, and reach his full potential. These two stories also impacted me and my future plans; I have learned that I do not want to work everyday and not enjoy my job. I am someone who needs to interact with others and be excited every morning to work. So is the money worth your happiness? The answer is no, it is not worth it.

Race: Diane Romano and Lloyd King

Racism has been a national problem for many years and many people even today are prejudice towards blacks. I thought it would be interesting to read about this section because I was very fascinated with the Civil Rights Movement. I think it is very heroic to fight for values and rights. In the movement, children participated in the demonstrations to allow adults to continue their job and support their family; it made the whites seem even more wrong for arresting innocent children. Though the movements were successful and the Jim Crow Laws were proven unconstitutional, racism is still evident in the nation today and associate blacks with danger.

Just like my mother, Diane Romano, a mother of six children, chose to raise her children to respect and accept blacks. She did not conform to society and tried to show others that blacks are just like whites. She said, "These people are no different from any other people, that they talk and they have manners and they eat like we eat, and they think and they have feelings and they're sensitive and they're artistic, and some of them are strange and some of them are dumb--they are just like we are" (460). Sadly, the society did not understand this and only acknowledged their wrong doings. Diane though soon got a new job as a police-like figure, causing her to grow less sympathetic and avert from her initial, strong beliefs about black Americans. She converted into a citizen that saw "only the bad" and felt guilty (461). Her morals and actions shifted. She stopped correcting her children when they used derogatory terms and she herself began to "classify them all," a sin she wished she had never committed (463). She shared how she was weaker and ashamed when she reverted to her parents' beliefs and began to live in the past, rather than creating a better future for the nation. I feel as if Diane became two-faced and hypocritical because she stopped standing up for her beliefs to conform to society, but at the same time she chose to stay with her church because she believed they were different, they were "exceptions" (464). Those that worked with her were also exceptions. But those on the streets and in town were not, they were dangerous. This shows Diane's confusion, for she no longer knew where she stood and what she believed in. She tried practicing her values she once strongly supported, but with the pressures of society she conformed and did not stand up for her beliefs. This saddens me because she did understood that blacks were the same as whites and she could have been part of the minority that helped fight for black rights. She could have helped benefit and change the nation, but instead she ignored her inner conflict with racism.

Diane exemplifies the confusion that is apparent throughout the nation. Her story demonstrates the large influence society has on an individual. In Diane's case, the society negatively influenced her and urged her to not fight for black rights. This story reminded me that I have the freedom of speech, to stick up for my beliefs, no matter what. I am not racist or prejudice towards any group of people and I inform people when their comments bother me. I believe that everyone is equal and should be treated equally.
Lloyd King, a biracial man, shared his feelings toward integration, believing that society acts like a tragic biracial marriage because "the tragedy lies in the complex folds of this love and admiration, which is somehow twisted into intolerance" (467). A huge tension coexists with the strong love between two. For King, being biracial created insecurity and a lack of identity; he named himself a "Jewbro" (468). People considered anyone with even one once of black blood in them as a colored person. Growing up in the sixties, King joined the Black Panthers while at the same time realizing that he was interested in white culture. Having this interest in whites, and being biracial, he married a white woman. He believed that it is natural for blacks to love the white culture and whites to love the black culture, but many failed to openly express this due to their shame and conformity. With these strong beliefs, King began denying that he was black by escaping his parents and seeking out music. But music did not completely solve everything because in the clubs blacks and whites mixed; King was unable to escape his tension point of being biracial. At the clubs, the KKK felt threatened and King stated, "The good ol' boys didnt' like the idea of a salt-and-pepper group and threatened to wreck the place" (471). He was not able to fill the void in a white man with his music, causing him to grow more insecure. In 1986 he began teaching at a white college, despite his biracial status. King stayed optimistic and soon realized that with his contribution, he was helping the nation change; the more black teachers at a white school, the more the rules changed. Sadly, his efforts did not come too far in changing the society because of the lack of support. Racism stayed apparent in the nation, but King offered hope that "we can mature" and move forward in life and live together, as one united nation (475).

I chose this story because in English, we are currently reading Light in August and the protagonist, Joe Christmas, struggles with his biracial status and lacks a sense of identity. This novel closely relates to King's story because he is confused with his biracial status, just as Joe Christmas. Having previously been interested in the Civil Rights Movement and reading Light in August,

Working: Dolores Dante and Phil Stallings

Every effort makes a difference in the world. Every job is important, no matter the authority or rank. Everyone in the work force is responsible and hold an important role. Their job impacts society, some people more than others. This important aspect leads each individual to be responsible and take their job seriously, no matter the field, and take pride in their role in society.

Dolores Dante worked as a waitress to get fast cash, and she was not ashamed of it. She loved her job and shared her pride with the community. This job helped her get by at home, the tips helped her pay off bills and make a living, to mend her broken home. But she was not ashamed to face the truth that she was a waitress, but was proud. Terkel shares Dante's story, "When somebody says to me, 'You're great, how come you're just a waitress?' Just a waitress. I'd say, 'Why, don't you think you deserve to be served by me?' It's implying that he's not worthy, not that i'm not worthy. It makes me irate. I don't feel lowly at all. I myself feel sure. I don't want to change the job. I love it" (331). Dante not only was proud to work as a waitress but loved her job and was good at it.  She made every little extra effort to make the difference. She was personable and spoke to the community, sharing her opinions on certain news or topics. She was political and free, speaking her mind. She was not plain, but energetic, careful, and concise. She made sure she did not spill, she tried pleasing the society with the extra efforts; she complimented people, she rearranged food a specific way to help with its appeal, she presented herself. However, she became so well-liked that she brought business in, all the business. She was the center of attention and everyone asked for her. Dante then began to feel guilty and stated, "People would ask for me and i didn't have enough tables. Some of the girls are standing and don't have customers. There is resentment. I feel self-conscious. I feel a sense of guilt" (333). Jealousy was brought upon other employees and guilt upon Dante. Dante should not have felt guilt. It does not make complete sense to feel resentment because she was just trying to please the community and do her job well to get payed and earn a living. She should not be punished or feel this way because she is good at her job, she should only feel pride and satisfaction. She not only served her community, but she worked hard and enjoyed it.

Phil Stallings job was quite different from Dolores Dante's and had a total different mood with values. Stallings worked as a welder at the Ford assembly plant for many hours at different units. This job was brutal and had no social aspect. Everyone kept to themselves, making their job easier. They were all intimidated by the foremen and scared if they disobeyed because the foremen had no sympathy or emotions, they were cold. To overcome the intimidation, repetition, and brutality everyone kept to themselves because no one cared. Stallings stated, "They'll have more respect, give more attention to that machine. And you know this. Somehow you get the feeling that the machine is better than you are" (356). This job lowered peoples' self worth and morale. They sunk lower for they were being treated as animals. They were not allowed to use the bathroom, no one ate on the job, and the sick continued working in order to keep their job. The workers felt like a nobody; no one spoke, there was no unity, there was no determination. The only motive to keep working was the $4.32 that was received per hour. Everyone hated their job and had a right to. Those working were degraded and inhumane. They did not have goals, or if they had any they were not allowed to pursue them. No one at the work force was able to reach their full potential. Stallings said, "But I'm against this thing where I'm being held back. I'll work like a dog until I get what I want. The job I really want is utility" (358). Stallings should not have endured the harsh rules at the workforce and should have quit to reach his full potential and be more humane. He worked robotically, withstanding any sickness or injustice. He stated, "A job should be a job, not a death sentence" (359).

Dolores Dante and Phil Stallings both had different experiences when working. Dante loved her job, while Stallings did not. He disliked it for it degraded him and held him back in life. These two stories contrast and show how difficult life was and how different people chose to earn a living. Some had a choice, while others did not. And some enjoyed their job, while others did not. I want to be able to get a job like Dante and be joyful everyday for I would love what I was doing. I want to be able to wake up every morning and be excited to go to work. I never want to feel guilt for being too good at my job, but I also don't want to have too much pride where it would transform into hubris. However, I applaud Stallings for continuing to work everyday, for many hours because he was not fortunate to have a job that both payed well and he enjoyed.

Division Street: Tom Kearney and Chester Kolar

Every war America has become involved in brought forth the themes of justice, freedom, democracy, passion, faith, protection, and duty. Many soldiers, civilians, and leaders struggle with war and come to a tension point dealing with the themes above. Is America being just? Is it right for America to intervene? Why are we fighting? What are we fighting for? How can we fight for freedom or democracy when they are such broad ideas? Why is the United States always intervening to provide protection first? How do I help in the war? All these questions encompass the minds of Americans during periods of war, and many questions are left unanswered.

Tom Kearney, one of the many policemen of his family, believes that the society became corrupt with the many wars America partook in. Kearney's father and grandfather both served as policemen, as well as fought for others' rights. They both advocated that they should still get payed even with the economy. This was very brave of them to do because even though this situation did not directly effect them, they still spoke their opinion and fought for those who could not. Looking up to them as role models, Kearney tries to better the society and nation. He observes people and their role in society, realizing it has become corrupt. Despite all the diversity in America, he noticed that people of certain ethnicities tend to stick together, resisting integration. To support integration people participate in street demonstrations, like those that took place during the civil rights movement. With integration, the society will become more close-knit. He states, "The neighborhood is sterile. It's not a neighborhood at all" (267). No one knows each other anymore, even he does not know his own son well enough. The society grew apart due to this fear of involvement; many are afraid to speak their mind and stand up for what they believe in or are scared to integrate and help one another. With this mentality everyone of Kearney's generation distances themselves from others. Yet, the proceeding generation does not follow them. The generation today is more sophisticated and care for the world. They avert from the strict traditions and culture and know how to accept others. They are not scared to become involved and rather are more involved than their own parents. This generation will change the world someday. However, Chester Kolar disagrees and believes that this involvement leads to nervousness, uncertainty, and worrying. He believes people will fail if they become too involved because they are not focusing on their life and are not living in the moment. He states, "These people are worried about something they shouldn't be worried about. They should be worried about painting their rooms and fixing something up where they could become industrious" (273). He believes that this new involvement negatively effects the nation and society, due to the stress it creates.

Reflecting on American life and society today, I believe that the nation has improved with integration and involvement, but I disagree that the involvement has created worrying and nervousness. The generations that live today have learned to accept others and integrate. Although it is natural to stick to those who share the same beliefs, people today keep and open mind and are very accepting towards others and ideas. I believe Americans are standing up and speaking out when they find injustice. We do not fear involvement, but rather thrive on it. Society today is more close-knit and connected than what it was earlier. This involvement though does not create extra immense amounts of worrying. However, I do not state that the generations today are not worrying because we are, but for different reasons. We worry today for ourselves, for our family. We worry that the economy will not improve, that the house is not kept up, that our children are not trying, that the education provided is not sufficient, etc. We worry for the right things, for that that affects us. Our worry is necessary or else no one would care in the world and society would yet again be distant. The wars and hardships that the America faced brought us to where we stand today provide us with  lessons to learn from. And with these lessons, society and the nation clearly demonstrate "UNITED WE STAND."

The Good War: Peter Ota and Betty Basye Hutchinson

Peter Ota was a Japanese American in the war, with a family being held in an internment camp. He expressed how he was so ashamed to be Japanese and that all the customs he practiced disappeared. He and his family didn't fight back when they were forced into the camp. They took away their business and everything they had. When Peter went to war, his mother became sick and while waiting to get permission to visit, she passed away. Peter was upset he wasn't able to be there, but he picked up her remains. Peter and his family, when together, would celebrate holidays and never talk about what had happened. No one was able to talk about what had happened. They were ashamed and angry. He stated, "My children were denied a lot of the history of what happened. If you think of all those forty years of silence, I think this stems from another Japanese characteristic: when shame is put on you, you try to hide it. We were put into camp, we became victims, it was our fault. We hide it" (209). His daughter wanted to write about the war and tried to talk to people about it, but many refused. Peter though accepted it and even cried while telling his story, feeling better after. But she couldn't understand why they didn't fight back. He explained how times were different back then and if it were now, his family and other Japanese Americans would fight back. They would stand up for what they believed in. They would be brave enough to do so.

Hutchinson was a nurse in the war and felt as if it were her duty to do so. Hutchinson was an official of the nurses and saw some of the worst cases. Some came in without limbs, with burns, with faces torn apart. She describes her first few days being a nurse as brutal, she threw up after seeing injured men. However, she soon became accustomed to the environment and was glad to help in the war. At the hospital, many men joked about their wounds, making it less serious, but did not talk about the war itself. They called one man "The Nose" because he lost his nose and ears. She acted as a plastic surgeon as well. One man constantly pointed to a picture of him in the war saying that he would not leave until he looked like that again, had his face back. However, this man acted weak and Hutchinson wondered, "Why isn't he quiet? Why can't he be brave when they're changing his dressing? What does he think we are, miracle workers?" (215). They had been brave in the war and acted as if the hospital was worse than that. She did not understand that the hospital made this man emotional because it brought everything together and all he was able to do was reflect upon the war. Why did he fight? What did he fight for?

The war was unpleasant, every aspect. At the homefront, people were being forced into camps and prejudice was apparent. On the battlefront, many lives were lost along with innocence and morals. Off the battlefront, in hospitals, many were recovering mentally and physically from the brutal war and tried to get their lives back. Hutchinson expressed angrily her disappointment for war, believing it did not really help. She stated, "We did it for what? Korea? Vietnam? We're still at war. Looking back, it didn't work" (217). So, was the war effective? I disagree to some extent with Hutchinson because the war resolved problems between nations making it beneficial. Despite all the losses and aftermath of the war, it also may be looked upon as a lesson to learn from. After the Japanese were released from the camps, Reagan declared that actions towards the Japanese were wrong and immoral. Generations today can learn from the war.