Ep 53: Dr. Linda Tamura on Asian American Racism from World War II until Now

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you hear the word racism do you ever think of Asian Americans and how they are treated? Since the pandemic, the rise in hate crimes and violence to Asian Americans has increased by 164%. That is a staggering number but this is not the first experience with racism that the Asian American community has endured in our country. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today’s guest, Linda Tamura, who is a Sansei (third generation Japanese American) and daughter of a World War II veteran, is talking to us about the racism that Asian Americans experienced in the 1940’s when Japanese Americans were incarcerated in camps because of the war. She is the author of two books on the subject</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Nisei Soldiers Break their Silence</span> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">and</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Hood River Issei</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. We also discuss the recent rise in hate crimes to the Asian American community and her ideas on what we can do to make things better.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Professor Emerita of Education, Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, she is very involved in projects, exhibits, and organizations educating and celebrating the history of Japanese Americans and inclusion in Oregon. As a former elementary school teacher and university professor, Dr. Linda Tamura is a teacher of teachers and an educational leader.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Notable Quotes:</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I think that would be what I try to do as a teacher and what I try to continue to do now and that is simply to be a positive role model and a positive ally to others.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“What can we do to make life better for ourselves but mostly for other people too?”</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this episode, you will hear:</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">- Linda’s history