June 2023 SIETAR Kansai: Immigration, Acculturation, Discrimination: The Japanese American Internment Experience

SpeakerAlexis Pusina (Kanazawa Institute of Technology)

Date:     June 24, 2023 (Saturday)

Time:     14:00-17:00

Fee:      Free for all

Language: English

ZOOM Online presentation *registration required*

Contact: fujimotodonna@gmail.com to get the Zoom link; for any questions.

Description: This presentation will focus on the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. A brief history of Japanese immigration to the United States and successful acculturation into various communities will also be explored. The importance of telling our stories and offering our narratives on history will be a central theme. The presenter hopes to emphasize lessons learned from past events and relate them to today’s climate where vulnerable groups are experiencing anti-Asian violence, hatred and discrimination. The goal is to inspire a critical consciousness about these issues.

Alexis Pusina is Assistant Professor in TEFL at Kanazawa Institute of Technology and a supporter of social equity movements. He was raised in Berkeley, California and has lived in Japan for over 17 years. His interests include justice work, baseball, and collecting hand-woven textiles. His research interests include critical pedagogy, supporting the student voice, and best practices for teaching academic writing.