When discussing World War II, we often hone in on the atrocities committed by the Axis Powers and other foreign nations. This chapter, though, exposed a lot of the inhumane behaviors conducted by American servicemen and citizens. While we were demanding the Japanese end their expansionistic tendencies, we were violating the rights of others in an incredibly extreme manner. One serviceman wrote of the slaughter of an entire village besides one beautiful woman who the men then continually raped. It is horrific to think that we, as Americans, allowed such atrocities to occur when we knew the realities. However, it is also frightening to think that the Japanese used our abuses of power to further their own gains. We were entirely hypocritical in our damnation of Japanese actions, and so we basically gave the Japanese a greater incentive to despise us. How could we demand an end to their violations when we were committing our own at the very same time? It's no wonder that the Japanese possessed so much distaste for the US and other Western nations. We spent so much time oppressing them and trying to quiet their resistance because we believed ourselves to be superior that we forgot to guard ourselves properly, and thus came the attack on Pearl Harbor.
I feel that some of our attempts to quiet the Japanese war effort was successful. Our oil embargo did not prevent the war, but it did scare Japan. Although Pearl Harbor was a tragic event, and demoralizing loss, America was able to recover. It seems that since Japan pointed out all of our own atrocities we learned from that and fight our wars more humanely.
This book has shown an understated view in history. We very rarely hear of Japan's reactions to US(white) imperialism. It is often said that Japan withdraws from the League of Nations before World War Two. It does not mention their proposal for a racial equality clause in their self-determination proposal though. This book shows the hidden side of American History. Not all wars are glorious. Many aren't even necessary. The US actions in the Philippines and the "civilizing" of the West are inhumane. However, this adds to the rhetorical power of the novel. The Flyboys were fighting a necessary war. And they did so honorably and humanely. It does not exempt us from our past, but it does show progress and gives hope about the US military
Do you think Japan would have scrapped plans for war on America if the League had ratified the clause about racial equality? I think they wouldn't have. As we know, just because America has laws about equality, doesn't mean they are followed. Think of Reconstruction and Jim Crow. I think it would have up scaled the war, as Japan would see America as liars and promise breakers if the clause was added, and habit won out over promise.
I found it interesting that the Japanese were interested in racial equality and yet were un-opposed to the brutal treatment of the Chinese, who they had deemed less superior to themselves. For a nation who seemingly desired equality amongst the nations of the West, Japan did little to support their hopes for equal treatment. I agree, also, that both the actions of the US in the Philippines and Japan in China were inhumane. While such events ended up allowing progression in the tactics used by American servicemen in areas such as the Philippines, I don't think that either events were necessary in morphing the actions of our nation.
This chapter makes me think that the American education system is akin to that of early 20th century Japan's, in that we are taught to believe that America was the greatest good on the planet during that time. However, this chapter reveals that this clearly is not the case. For example, in the Philippines, the military mostly killed civilians. A little while later, we criticized and scolded Japan for doing the same. But were we so different?I don't believe so. Also, the treaty of 1868 issue with the miners and Indians, shows the U.S. hypocrisy and dishonesty. So how can could thee U.S. get mad at Japan for making war with another people, when our country was founded on warfare, grew on warfare, and has been involved in all major wars to this day? Were Japan and America so different when it comes to this? I think not.
A valid post, Colin, but I must disagree that the American education system was very similar to Japans. For starters, although we were indoctrinated with pro-American sentiments, we were not taught that other countries were the devil to the extent Japanese children were. Also, military tactics were not interspersed in our educational curriculum. I also believe the U.S was indeed very different than Japan culturally, as Americans lived by a less strict code of honor.
I agree with Casey. Japan and America were both culturally and economically different. Japanese children and teenagers were taught military tactics while the American government was not as intense. Although both the United States and Japan were dishonest, the two countries differed in many ways.
Colin, this is a great post and I enjoyed that it drew dialogue from classmates. It is true we are guilty of indoctrination in America. To what level is that allowable is up for debate. I also think it is important to realize that we have freedoms that can often uncover dishonesty or inappropriate behavior. One of those freedoms is of the press and currently the US press is covering a story of sexual misconduct in the military. This exposure will hopefully help deal with this serious problem and help leaders take steps to make this type of behavior stop. A vigilant press that questions leaders and investigates misconduct can help inform a citizenry. I do think Americans are expected to question their leaders and in doing so keep the integrity of the republic.
In the American education system, the U.S. is definitly glorified in every aspect. We are mostly taught of all the good things the U.S. did. When we were learning about the movement of the Indians it is taught as a positive of the time. However even if some horrific events occured in the time period, it was still justified by a positive.
One of the astounding things about Flyboys, is the authors ability to discuss controversial ideas in his writting. In classrooms across the United States, the positives of U.S. history are shown. Also mainly the negatives of foreign nations is also shown. However in many situations the United States had commited equal numbers of atrocities. Rape is very common among all soldiers, despite the nation they fight for. Due to this fact a parallel is drawn between the Japenese soldiers and the United States soldiers. The Rape of China was horrendous, but U.S. troops have committed similar crimes. No matter how sophisticated one troop may seem, they are capable of anything if put in an unfavorable situation. Thus the United States is also hypocritical. They mistreated the Phillipine people, and were just as brutal in their imperial tachtics as Japan. After all, Japan was modernized by the United States, and thus followed in Americas footsteps.
You've made a very good point. I have noticed also noticed that, how Bradley tells the whole story about the United States, not just the positives. Which is reassuring in a way because we are never really taught what our country didn't do right.
The brutality of the Japanese is almost comparable to the brutality of Americans at certain points in history. For example, Americas extermination of the native population of North America was atrocious. How hypocritical of America to condemn Japan for such heinous acts when the U.S herself had committed similar atrocities. This chapter seems to draw attention away from Japanese horrors and shine a more harmful light on the U.S. It is evident that the U.S treated Japan horribly in terms of economic sanctions. We essentially bullied the small island nation so much that they snapped. By invading other countries in true imperialist fashion, America had made a statement that it was not to be trifiled with. When Japan did the same, the U.S responded by sanctioning Japan and demanding they cease and desist. Eventually, all of this American bullying would boil over into the attack on Pearl Harbor. This chapter made me feel that perhaps the U.S could have avoided Pearl Harbor had we not been such bullies to Japan in the first place.
I felt the same way after reading this chapter. There were so many signs precluding the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Yet, there is a fine line between possibly what the Americans allowed in the past and how they wanted to move into the future. Maybe FDR saw the U.S. as being finished with its imperialist, bullying phase and consequently didn't want the Japanese doing the same things? It is hard to understand decision making processies without actually being involved.
The theme of the "ABCD Encirclement" chapter seemed to be hypocrisy. Bradley displayed the Japanese mindset by calling on examples of American and Western imperialism. If the Western Christian nations could overpower their neighbors and colonize lesser powers, why couldn't they? I'd say it is a justified opinion in one respect. The U.S. hardly ever practiced what they preached. However, the fault in this logic would be a moral absolute. One nation committing atrocities shouldn't enable others to follow suit. Unfortunately the Japanese weren't willing to rise above these practices, as they felt chocked by Western domination. The Japanese anger that built up to the attack on Pearl Harbor is easy to document. The Japanese had industrialized, they had risen above their neighboring nations, and they wondered why they weren't awarded accordingly. That seems to be a theme with world politics. Some nations prosper, others are subjugated, and the rest are cheated.
After reading this chapter, I am convinced that the United States set the "bad" example first. In other words, Japan followed America's footsteps. Previously a secluded and successful country, Japan quickly became brutal and caught up to speed with other imperialistic countries. Also, this chapter truly describes how hypocritical America was. Both countries, Japan and America, have acted inhumane and violated other's basic human rights. Could the attack on Pearl Harbor have been prevented? The United States sparked the anger in Japan and greatly contributed to the American resentment overseas. Most of the time, we don't realize that the U.S. acted the same way as Japan. Unfortunately, history can repeat itself. However, hopefully the United States and Japan have learned from their past.
I enjoyed this chapter much more than the previous one because it moved away from the brutal aspects, even though it was crucial information. I liked how Bradley paralleled the United States and Japan as imperialistic countries. He talked about how the Americans killed innocent civilians in the Philippines and how Japan did the same in China, which I would not have realized on my own. Japan thought that if America did it, they could do it. This led to the United States cutting off economic sanction to Japan and a few years later, led to the attack on Pearl Harbor. This definitely told Americans that the Japanese were for real and ready.
When discussing World War II, we often hone in on the atrocities committed by the Axis Powers and other foreign nations. This chapter, though, exposed a lot of the inhumane behaviors conducted by American servicemen and citizens. While we were demanding the Japanese end their expansionistic tendencies, we were violating the rights of others in an incredibly extreme manner. One serviceman wrote of the slaughter of an entire village besides one beautiful woman who the men then continually raped. It is horrific to think that we, as Americans, allowed such atrocities to occur when we knew the realities. However, it is also frightening to think that the Japanese used our abuses of power to further their own gains. We were entirely hypocritical in our damnation of Japanese actions, and so we basically gave the Japanese a greater incentive to despise us. How could we demand an end to their violations when we were committing our own at the very same time? It's no wonder that the Japanese possessed so much distaste for the US and other Western nations. We spent so much time oppressing them and trying to quiet their resistance because we believed ourselves to be superior that we forgot to guard ourselves properly, and thus came the attack on Pearl Harbor.
ReplyDeleteI feel that some of our attempts to quiet the Japanese war effort was successful. Our oil embargo did not prevent the war, but it did scare Japan. Although Pearl Harbor was a tragic event, and demoralizing loss, America was able to recover. It seems that since Japan pointed out all of our own atrocities we learned from that and fight our wars more humanely.
DeleteThis book has shown an understated view in history. We very rarely hear of Japan's reactions to US(white) imperialism. It is often said that Japan withdraws from the League of Nations before World War Two. It does not mention their proposal for a racial equality clause in their self-determination proposal though. This book shows the hidden side of American History. Not all wars are glorious. Many aren't even necessary. The US actions in the Philippines and the "civilizing" of the West are inhumane. However, this adds to the rhetorical power of the novel. The Flyboys were fighting a necessary war. And they did so honorably and humanely. It does not exempt us from our past, but it does show progress and gives hope about the US military
ReplyDeleteDo you think Japan would have scrapped plans for war on America if the League had ratified the clause about racial equality? I think they wouldn't have. As we know, just because America has laws about equality, doesn't mean they are followed. Think of Reconstruction and Jim Crow. I think it would have up scaled the war, as Japan would see America as liars and promise breakers if the clause was added, and habit won out over promise.
DeleteI found it interesting that the Japanese were interested in racial equality and yet were un-opposed to the brutal treatment of the Chinese, who they had deemed less superior to themselves. For a nation who seemingly desired equality amongst the nations of the West, Japan did little to support their hopes for equal treatment. I agree, also, that both the actions of the US in the Philippines and Japan in China were inhumane. While such events ended up allowing progression in the tactics used by American servicemen in areas such as the Philippines, I don't think that either events were necessary in morphing the actions of our nation.
DeleteThis chapter makes me think that the American education system is akin to that of early 20th century Japan's, in that we are taught to believe that America was the greatest good on the planet during that time. However, this chapter reveals that this clearly is not the case. For example, in the Philippines, the military mostly killed civilians. A little while later, we criticized and scolded Japan for doing the same. But were we so different?I don't believe so. Also, the treaty of 1868 issue with the miners and Indians, shows the U.S. hypocrisy and dishonesty. So how can could thee U.S. get mad at Japan for making war with another people, when our country was founded on warfare, grew on warfare, and has been involved in all major wars to this day? Were Japan and America so different when it comes to this? I think not.
ReplyDeleteA valid post, Colin, but I must disagree that the American education system was very similar to Japans. For starters, although we were indoctrinated with pro-American sentiments, we were not taught that other countries were the devil to the extent Japanese children were. Also, military tactics were not interspersed in our educational curriculum. I also believe the U.S was indeed very different than Japan culturally, as Americans lived by a less strict code of honor.
DeleteI agree with Casey. Japan and America were both culturally and economically different. Japanese children and teenagers were taught military tactics while the American government was not as intense. Although both the United States and Japan were dishonest, the two countries differed in many ways.
DeleteColin, this is a great post and I enjoyed that it drew dialogue from classmates. It is true we are guilty of indoctrination in America. To what level is that allowable is up for debate. I also think it is important to realize that we have freedoms that can often uncover dishonesty or inappropriate behavior. One of those freedoms is of the press and currently the US press is covering a story of sexual misconduct in the military. This exposure will hopefully help deal with this serious problem and help leaders take steps to make this type of behavior stop. A vigilant press that questions leaders and investigates misconduct can help inform a citizenry. I do think Americans are expected to question their leaders and in doing so keep the integrity of the republic.
DeleteIn the American education system, the U.S. is definitly glorified in every aspect. We are mostly taught of all the good things the U.S. did. When we were learning about the movement of the Indians it is taught as a positive of the time. However even if some horrific events occured in the time period, it was still justified by a positive.
ReplyDeleteOne of the astounding things about Flyboys, is the authors ability to discuss controversial ideas in his writting. In classrooms across the United States, the positives of U.S. history are shown. Also mainly the negatives of foreign nations is also shown. However in many situations the United States had commited equal numbers of atrocities. Rape is very common among all soldiers, despite the nation they fight for. Due to this fact a parallel is drawn between the Japenese soldiers and the United States soldiers. The Rape of China was horrendous, but U.S. troops have committed similar crimes. No matter how sophisticated one troop may seem, they are capable of anything if put in an unfavorable situation. Thus the United States is also hypocritical. They mistreated the Phillipine people, and were just as brutal in their imperial tachtics as Japan. After all, Japan was modernized by the United States, and thus followed in Americas footsteps.
ReplyDeleteYou've made a very good point. I have noticed also noticed that, how Bradley tells the whole story about the United States, not just the positives. Which is reassuring in a way because we are never really taught what our country didn't do right.
DeleteThe brutality of the Japanese is almost comparable to the brutality of Americans at certain points in history. For example, Americas extermination of the native population of North America was atrocious. How hypocritical of America to condemn Japan for such heinous acts when the U.S herself had committed similar atrocities. This chapter seems to draw attention away from Japanese horrors and shine a more harmful light on the U.S. It is evident that the U.S treated Japan horribly in terms of economic sanctions. We essentially bullied the small island nation so much that they snapped. By invading other countries in true imperialist fashion, America had made a statement that it was not to be trifiled with. When Japan did the same, the U.S responded by sanctioning Japan and demanding they cease and desist. Eventually, all of this American bullying would boil over into the attack on Pearl Harbor. This chapter made me feel that perhaps the U.S could have avoided Pearl Harbor had we not been such bullies to Japan in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way after reading this chapter. There were so many signs precluding the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Yet, there is a fine line between possibly what the Americans allowed in the past and how they wanted to move into the future. Maybe FDR saw the U.S. as being finished with its imperialist, bullying phase and consequently didn't want the Japanese doing the same things? It is hard to understand decision making processies without actually being involved.
DeleteThe theme of the "ABCD Encirclement" chapter seemed to be hypocrisy. Bradley displayed the Japanese mindset by calling on examples of American and Western imperialism. If the Western Christian nations could overpower their neighbors and colonize lesser powers, why couldn't they? I'd say it is a justified opinion in one respect. The U.S. hardly ever practiced what they preached. However, the fault in this logic would be a moral absolute. One nation committing atrocities shouldn't enable others to follow suit. Unfortunately the Japanese weren't willing to rise above these practices, as they felt chocked by Western domination. The Japanese anger that built up to the attack on Pearl Harbor is easy to document. The Japanese had industrialized, they had risen above their neighboring nations, and they wondered why they weren't awarded accordingly. That seems to be a theme with world politics. Some nations prosper, others are subjugated, and the rest are cheated.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this chapter, I am convinced that the United States set the "bad" example first. In other words, Japan followed America's footsteps. Previously a secluded and successful country, Japan quickly became brutal and caught up to speed with other imperialistic countries. Also, this chapter truly describes how hypocritical America was. Both countries, Japan and America, have acted inhumane and violated other's basic human rights. Could the attack on Pearl Harbor have been prevented? The United States sparked the anger in Japan and greatly contributed to the American resentment overseas. Most of the time, we don't realize that the U.S. acted the same way as Japan. Unfortunately, history can repeat itself. However, hopefully the United States and Japan have learned from their past.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this chapter much more than the previous one because it moved away from the brutal aspects, even though it was crucial information. I liked how Bradley paralleled the United States and Japan as imperialistic countries. He talked about how the Americans killed innocent civilians in the Philippines and how Japan did the same in China, which I would not have realized on my own. Japan thought that if America did it, they could do it. This led to the United States cutting off economic sanction to Japan and a few years later, led to the attack on Pearl Harbor. This definitely told Americans that the Japanese were for real and ready.
ReplyDelete