Oral History Interview with Ben Blaz, October 8, 1994 Page: 22
60 p.View a full description of this text.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Marcello:
Blaz:
Marcello:
Blaz:When the Japanese came in, did they ladle out any of
this business about "Asia for Asians" and that you were
to consider them your liberators and all this sort of
thing?
Oh, yes! It was propaganda of the highest order, and
we weren't used to that. It was called the...
Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere.
Sure. We went about pretending we really belonged to
the same race, that we were brown and therefore we
should find that the Americans have had it too good for
too long. We went through all that, but nobody
believed that. Whether you liked the Americans or not,
because of the arrogance of some of the military, the
truth of the matter is that when you hurt, an American
will kneel down and say, "Why are you crying?" I mean,
they're kind. I just can't tell you how much that
meant to us to...the elders didn't like the idea that
we had to go to school and had to submit to certain
things. But the truth is that an American individual--
on an individual basis--when you say, "Hey, listen. I
need your help," he'll say, "What can I do for you?"So there's this kindness that you notice about them.
And even moreso, by the way, from those who came as
liberators. When we get to that point, I'll tell you
some stories that are really remarkable and that make
you realize that an American really is an extraordinary22
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This text can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Text.
Blaz, Ben. Oral History Interview with Ben Blaz, October 8, 1994, text, October 8, 1994; Fredericksburg, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1606451/m1/24/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting National Museum of the Pacific War/Admiral Nimitz Foundation.