Activity 4-2

Activity 4-2: Perspectives Through Photographs

Introduction

This activity engages students in an analysis of photographs taken prior to and during the mass removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans from the West Coast.

Time

One to two class periods

Materials

Handout 4-2a: Photographs (one photograph per group of two to three students)
Handout 4-2b: Photograph Assignments (one copy per group of two to three students)

Download printer-friendly (PDF) file of Activity 4-2 handouts

Download printer-friendly (PDF) file of lesson page and activity procedures

Procedure

1. Download and print the PDF file of Activity 4-2 handouts. Make copies as necessary.

2. Divide the class into pairs or groups of three. Give each group of students one of the photographs in handout 4-2a, and a copy of handout 4-2b: Photograph Assignments. Allow students 30 minutes to prepare their presentation following the instructions on the handout.

3. After the allotted time has passed, give each group three minutes for their presentation.

4. Discuss this activity by asking the following questions:

What would you title this photograph collection?
What do you think the photographers' views were regarding the mass removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans?
Do any of these photographs remind you of an incident you have heard about or experienced?
What are the similarities and differences between these images and those shown in the newsreel, Japanese Relocation (Lesson 4, Activity 4-1)?
What types of civil rights violations are apparent in these photographs?