No-No Boy - Themes

No-No Boy explores a myriad of themes, providing a thorough exploration of Japanese-American identity, particularly in the context of the aftermath of World War II. Here are the main themes presented in the novel:

Identity and Assimilation: One of the principal themes of No-No Boy revolves around the struggle of the protagonist, Ichiro Yamada, with his dual identity as a Japanese and an American. He experiences the conflict of feeling like an outsider in both cultures and struggles to reconcile these two aspects of his identity. The tension between loyalty to his Japanese heritage and desire to assimilate into American society is a constant source of inner turmoil.

Guilt and Regret: Ichiro, after refusing to serve in the U.S. military and declaring his loyalty to Japan during World War II, is filled with regret and guilt. He experiences self-reproach, not for the principle of his decision, but for the pain it caused his family and his personal loss of the opportunity to integrate into American society. This theme is further explored in the novel through his interactions with other characters who chose different paths during the war.

Racial Prejudice and Discrimination: The novel vividly illustrates the racial prejudice and discrimination faced by Japanese Americans during and after the war. Even after their release from the internment camps, they continue to face significant racism, perpetuating a sense of otherness. 

Postwar Trauma: The aftereffects of World War II play a central role in the novel, impacting each character differently. The narrative explores how trauma is not just individual but also collective, affecting entire communities and generations.

Family and Generational Conflicts: This theme is prominent in Ichiro's relationship with his mother, who is unwavering in her loyalty to Japan, and his younger brother, who is eager to fully embrace his American identity. The differences in their beliefs and attitudes toward their cultural heritage cause significant tension within the family.

Loyalty and Patriotism: Okada questions the notions of loyalty and patriotism through the experiences of his characters. The characters face a moral dilemma when asked to pledge their loyalty to the United States while being treated as second-class citizens. 

Discussion question

Compare the Japanese American community in No-No Boy to a minority group of your choice in the U.S. now. Think about issues of identity, belonging, intergenerational conflict, or societal pressures they might face.

The Power of Historical Lessons: Learning from Mistakes

Article: How memories of Japanese American imprisonment during WWII guided the US response to 9/11 ↗️

This article talks about how the US government learned from past mistakes during World War II to respond to the 9/11 attacks. After the 9/11 attacks, there were calls to ban Arab Americans and Muslims from flights and to detain them. Norman Mineta, the US Secretary of Transportation at the time, played a key role in the government's response. Mineta was imprisoned as a child during World War II because of his Japanese descent. During World War II, around 110,000 people of Japanese ancestry were placed in internment camps in the US. They were held under harsh conditions without any charges, just because they were of the same race as the enemy. President George W. Bush asked Mineta about his imprisonment experience before the 9/11 attacks. After the 9/11 attacks, President Bush said he wanted to ensure that what happened to Japanese Americans in 1942 did not happen again. Mineta directed the Department of Transportation to caution airlines against racial profiling or discrimination against passengers who appeared to be Middle Eastern or Muslim. In 2006, President Bush presented Mineta with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his public service. Mineta reflects on how the events of his childhood and 9/11 taught him about the vulnerability of US civilians during national threats.