Creative Response #1

Dear little girl in the plaid jacket,

From the picture that I saw of you made me think about what is really going through your mind. Seeing you put your hand over your heart while saying the flag of allegiance pledge makes me wonder if you understand what you are saying. From the look on your face it does not seem like you do understand. Do you understand what you are saying? Do you believe in what you are saying? You are just a child that needs to learn and have fun with other children that are through out America.

I am sorry to hear about what your family is going through and what other people made you do. I know that it must be hard having others criticize you for being Japanese and I disagree with them. For them to marginalize you and your family because of your race is insulting and should not be tolerated. You have every right to do anything that other races are doing no matter what race you are. I have a Filipino family and we are usually known for having the fake doctors and nurses from the Philippines. We are discriminated because people believe that our education in the Philippines is lower than the education in America. Education is as equal as any other country that wants to be a doctor or nurse. If you work for what you want to be in life then you deserve to be what you want.

I noticed from the children behind you are different ethnicity. Are you friends with any of the children there? It must be nice to go to school with other children because you get the chance to understand where their families come from. Most of the children in the front are Japanese though. Did they put you children there on purpose? I know that this is before they evacuated you children to different schools but did you receive the same education as the other kids in the background?

I really want to know your name. You look like a friend that I used to have in grade school but other kids made fun of her because of her eyes. Did you have the same problem as well? My teachers did not do much but give the children detentions but that never stopped them from making fun of her again. Even though we were a different race from each other, I tried to help her. I made sure that no one made fun of her anymore but it was not enough. She moved away and I never spoke to her again. I hope someone does not treat you that way and I hope that you have someone there to protect you from anything negative. Be proud to be who you are and never be little yourself because of your race. Embrace who you are and enjoy your culture.

I know there is not much you can do because you are a child but what you can do is live your life to the fullest. Have as much fun as you can with your classmates and cherish your friends. Even though you look confused and lost, I know you can make it through this period of time. You can grow up to be what ever it is that you want to be. No matter what others may say to you do not let anyone bring you down. I hope you stay safe and healthy through out the years. Be careful and be safe and have fun. Take care of yourself little girl.

Sincerely, Angel Echon