What does it mean to be American? : the importance of memory in Japanese American political activism

This thesis investigates how memory and repetition can be used to enhance and inspire the messages and content of political activism. The argument is based on Victoria Browne’s claim that repetition is not indicative of regression, but a moment to reclaim and revitalize the past. This thesis focuses on Japanese American political activism surrounding Trump's Muslim Ban. In particular, this thesis analyzes how the history of Asian American political activism can be used to revitalize political activism in the present and pose what, in particular, is being revitalized from Japanese American political activism. This thesis focuses on an event called "Our History, Our Responsibility", organized by Densho, a non-profit in Seattle. The purpose of this thesis is to celebrate, critique, and investigate what histories are and should be brought forth and revitalized in this political moment.