systems of leadership, regimes, and governments do not always perform well
It is hard to believe that systems of leadership, regimes, and governments do not always perform well. There are many challenges, problems, and inconsistencies that people experience in the hands of such authorities. Besides, situations usually worsen when there is war or calamities. Such a situation was experienced in the United States of America during World War II. During this time, the American government forced people into incarceration and relocated them into concentration camps. Japanese were among the victims, but Fred Korematsu rose as an activist to fight against such acts. Fred Korematsu became an icon when he refused to go into government incarcerations and incited others to revolt.
Biographical
Fred Korematsu was born on January 30, 1919, and raised in Oakland, California, in the USA. Korematsu was the third son and had four brothers in their family. His father and mother were immigrants who engaged in a floral business in Oakland, in the state of California. Fred Korematsu has participated in a lot of activism and movements that revolved against unfair treatment from the government and other regimes. Fred wanted America to have a society of fairness and equal treatment of everyone despite the place of origin or any other affiliation (Lee et al., 2018).
Education and Early Life
After Fred Korematsu was born, he continued to reside in Oakland in California for all his childhood life. Just like other ordinary kids, Fred Korematsu went to a public school for his elementary learning in Oakland. Fred was an active and determined kid, and these attributes propelled him to the next level of learning without difficulties. He joined a public high school for his O level learning. At this level, Fred was still active and passionate in everything he did. These attributes were evidenced by Fred’s participation in activities like swimming and playing tennis at Castlemont High School. There are no details about his high learning, but at one time, Fred wanted to join the US Army. However, Fred Korematsu was denied the chance to the army due to his racial affiliation.
Background (Early life/influences and actions)
Fred Korematsu spent most of his childhood life in Oakland while learning and helping his family in their flower nursery business. As a young adult, Fred Korematsu wanted to join the army in the “US National Guard and US Coast Guard. Unfortunately, the young man’s request was turned down due to his Japanese origin. Fred did not give up, but later, he went to train as a welder. After his training, Fred Korematsu worked at the docks in Oakland as a shipyard welder and rose to the position of a foreman. However, he did not work for long since he was also fired due to his Japanese origin. His fame began to rise when the American government ordered all Japanese to be incarcerated in prison camps during World War II. Fred defied this order and continued with his normal life just like any other American citizen (Chang, Lee & Levin 2019). Fred did minor plastic surgery and changed his name to conceal his Japanese identity to escape arrest.
However, in 1942, Fred was arrested and incarcerated at the San Francisco county jail. While in jail, Ernest Besig visited Fred and requested him to allow his case to be used in challenging the constitutionality of the US government’s imprisonment of Japanese. Nonetheless, Fred was convicted and placed on a five-year probation. Later, he was sent to the incarceration camps where his Japanese counterparts were living. In the intermittent camps, Fred Korematsu still revolted against the poor living conditions that people were facing (Lee et al., 2018). Even after getting a bond and being tried by the court, Fred protested for all Americans to be given a fair trial and a chance to defend their loyalty democratically.
Legacy and Achievements
Fred Korematsu left behind a strong legacy and which can be cherished by many. For instance, his determination to see fairness and equal treatment of all Americans marvelled many, a legacy that is cherished up to date. Fred wanted the American government to stop mistreating others, particularly Japanese amid World War II. As a result, a significant number of Americans revolted against injustices like the mass incarcerations. Fred Korematsu also wanted the judicial system to stop mistreating convicts and other wrongdoers inhumanely because they belonged to different races (Chang, 2017). Fred also left behind a legacy of a person who was highly spirited and strong-willed to achieve his goals. In effect, many people during those times and later emulated Fred by speaking about social mistreatments without fear. This legacy is traced when he wanted to join the army but was turned down. Korematsu did not give up in life but went ahead to become a welder. Unfortunately, Fred was also fired, but he kept his dream of activism alive.
Conclusion
As I conclude, Fred Korematsu is an example of a person that can be emulated for his excellent and patriotic deeds. Fred died in 2005, but he lived a life to be cherished. Besides, Fred is among the few people who have suffered in society for the benefit of everyone. I believe few people can devote their lives for the sake of others. Determination, courage, and lack of fear made Fred speak and protest against the indecencies of the government and authorities in America. These are attributes I would encourage everyone to adopt for a better society today, tomorrow, and in the future..