Sketches from Within 2e

Miné Okubo, Untitled, n.d., charcoal on paper. Japanese American National Museum, Gift of Miné Okubo Estate (2007.62.5)

This object is part of the story , which is about Justice & Democracy.

Justice & Democracy, Sketches from Within

In the preface to the 1983 edition of her book Citizen 13660, Okubo wrote:

I was an American citizen, and because of the injustices and contradictions nothing made much sense, making things comical in spite of the misery.

  • In what ways do you see this sentiment reflected in her drawings?

Okubo also wrote:

I am often asked, why am I not bitter and could this happen again? I am a realist with a creative mind, interested in people, so my thoughts are constructive. I am not bitter. I hope that things can be learned from this tragic episode, for I believe it could happen again.

—Miné Okubo, preface to the 1983 edition of Citizen 13660

  • If you experienced what Okubo experienced by being incarcerated, and witnessed all that she did, do you think you would have feelings of bitterness? Why or why not?
  • Do you believe that the incarceration of a group of people could happen again in the United States?
  • Why do you think this could or could not happen?
  • Does Okubo’s attitude provide any reassurance that injustices can be remedied even if not eliminated?