The reading, “Three Narrative of Our Humanity,” was informative, but difficult. The so-called, “sanitizing,” of Japanese history to wipe clean any remnants of the country’s part in World War II is both insulting, but understandable, as the reading admits preoccupation with the country’s own suffering is natural . American’s seem preoccupied with wanting an apology from the Japanese. At the very least, the world wants acknowledgement that the Japanese were involved. Perhaps, however, the Japanese are simply attempting to wipe out one of the most gruesome and violent parts of their history, perpetrated on them as a seeming overreaction by a different country.
Some of the narratives were crude, and difficult to swallow. They appeared to make the atom bomb out to be a heroic gesture on behalf of the Americans. In one instance, it is references that the atomic bomb was used, and God was on America’s side that the war was one through not only atomic force, but religious force, as well . When we remember the horror that rained down upon Hiroshima and Nagasaki because of the two bombs that ended the war, it is difficult to conceive that any god, in any good context was part of the picture. Those who were not incinerated immediately suffered horribly for days or weeks after. The individuals today who want acknowledgment from the Japanese do not deserve it, as they are not acknowledging their own country’s part in the war, either.
It is stated, and for certain obvious reasons, that there can be no “obvious, heroic narrative” concerning Japan’s part in the war. This is understandable simply because they engaged in what appeared to be peace talks during a time America made it blatantly obvious they were attempting to remain passive during the war efforts. However, the reading makes no mention of the fact other countries had asked for America’s help, which they had blissfully denied during the Holocaust, of all historic incidents; therefore, America has twisted its own narrative, as well. It is made dishonorable on behalf of Japan because the talks were a distraction, lulling America into a false sense of security, which allowed Japan to strike Pearl Harbor with ferocity and the element of surprise. America retaliated with two atomic bombs. While the strike on Pearl Harbor was dishonorable, the reading never mentions America’s neglect to engage in the war when needed, and instead focuses on their desire for Japan to change their historical narrative, without changing its own.
The reading only seems to emphasize Japan’s part in the war, and why they are not acknowledging it. It also asks why they do not, and expresses why they should. However, it conveniently glosses over the immense damage done by the atomic bombs, merely stating to dwell on one’s own pain is natural. The attitude of the entire reading essentially was, “we understand it was painful and you have felt that pain, now acknowledge ours.” Pearl Harbor was a very difficult part of America’s history to overcome. The Japanese have also perpetrated other atrocities upon other countries around the world, but concerning their narrative toward WWII, they are attempting to cover a wound. The bombs are still impacting people today, and it may be a part of their history they would like to forget. Others may believe Japan is trying to play a game of ignorance, but I think Japan is trying to move on from a painful part of their country’s history that still haunts them today. They are the only country to have had atomic bombs dropped within their borders. Some may say one is not comparable to the other. I say a military coup on a naval base is not as bad as an atomic bomb.
Works Cited
Dower, John W. "Three Narratives of Our Humanity." Linenthal, Edward T. and Tom Engelhardt. History Wars: The Enola Gay and Other Battles for the American Past. New York: Metropolitan Books, n.d. 63-96. Print.
