Loyal American: Fred Korematsu, Japanese Internment, and Self-Sacrifice

In this lesson, students will learn about how Fred Korematsu decided to sacrifice himself to fight against Japanese-American internment during World War II. They will also determine ways in which they can sacrifice their own needs and desires for causes that are important.

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

• How did Fred Korematsu identify himself? Why did his identity cause problems?
• What was Fred Korematsu’s purpose in refusing to go to the internment camp?
• What actions did Fred Korematsu take to fight for his rights as an American citizen?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

• What is the historical context of the narrative?
• What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
• How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
• How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
• How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
• What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
• Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
• How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?

• Students will analyze the self-sacrificial practices of Fred Korematsu in fighting against Japanese-American internment.
• Students will apply their knowledge of self-sacrifice to their own lives.
• Students will determine ways that they can sacrifice their own wants and needs to help support greater causes.