I am 4th generation in the US. My grandma, who is currently 92, and my grandpa that passed, were in the Japanese internment camps during WW11.
I have noticed, more recently as I become older and more aware, how rigid, entitled, arrogant, and judgmental my Japanese family is. I have done so much thought into this, and i have theories. But was curious if other people have similar experience. Because although Japanese parents have their stereotypes of being strict, my friends with Japanese parents growing up were so soft, caring, and compassionate and prob had family interned as well since I’m on west coast. As a result, i grew up incredibly depressed my whole life, but it was essentially denied because of the way my family felt about “mental health”. I’m doing a lot better now.
I’m wondering if this outcome has to do with the internment camps and if anyone else has similar ideas. I do believe other things came out of this, like hoarding food and materials, pride, and lack of accepting crying and emotions.
I’m not involved in any Japanese community and honestly prob am the only Japanese person in my town, so it would be nice to relate to others if it applies. Just feeling a bit lost in the healing journey and feel like this is a big piece.
by Wildravensoul