Gene Akutsu

(b. 1925) Draft resister

A teenager's memories of how a local newspaper misrepresented Japanese Americans Reaction of Japanese American community toward draft resistance stance The role of the media in influencing people's opinions Living conditions in prison while serving time for resisting the draft Talking to children about decision to resist the draft during World War II Deciding whether to answer "yes-yes" on the loyalty questionnaire in order to leave camp Reflecting on Japanese Americans' response to incarceration Speak out for your beliefs

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Nisei male. Born 1925 in Seattle, Washington. Spent prewar childhood in Seattle's Nihonmachi. Incarcerated at Puyallup Assembly Center, Washington, and Minidoka incarceration camp, Idaho. Refused to participate in draft, imprisoned at McNeil Island Penitentiary, Washington, for resisting the draft. Resettled in Seattle. (July 25, 1997)

discrimination draft resisters World War II