Topaz Oral History Project research files: Published articles (1920s-1980s)

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rrh lU 1. t h r t r. It i p n i!:> no g u s n i 1 h 22 y st tus nor by honor, bu· by his or her on t k h m sur of one's individual p biliti s nd tr · t hi v th h' hes lO!:iS.ble uc tion based on those capabilities. The ben fits of n due tion, not th 1 ast of which is th improvement of one's character, ill enable p Lson o m k contributions to his or her immediate society, and indeed to th entir s i t - t-1 rg . In sum, we should take into consideration, first, the capabilities of our Nisei chil ren, and according to their individual capacities, attempt to give them the level of education that is appropriate. Those who lack the necessary funds for education should cultivate the spirit of independence and self-respect in their children and encourage them to work through college. If, however, a person likes the family business, it is only proper that he be allowed to carry on the business. If, for some reason, the time is not ripe for him to take over, he might even work elsewhere, also a proper thing to do. In any event, it is most essential that person proceed toward a higher goal as much as possible. It is generally thought that the Nisei are superior to the Issei in every respect because of the differences in the environments in which they were raised. In spite of that, Issei are apt to be quick to point out only the faults of the Nisei, and too easy to criticize them as "no good." We must be careful about this. The Nisei have a great many strong points which we should recognize, and we must guide them with as much understanding as we are able. (8/13/28) XVII When our Nisei offspring have leaders--teachers and parents with mistaken ideas--it is unfortunate. One has to be very careful not to be misguided by those newspapers which are bent solely on making profits and thus print material only to please parents. Needles~ to say, such a policy serves to mislead the Nisei. Their leaders should be not only indignant, but also ones who keep pace with the times. The World War in Europe was an