They Called Us Enemy (pages 59-108):

Discussion Questions
1. What are the family’s first impressions of Rohwer? How is it different from Santa Anita?
What is similar?
2. When they see their barrack room, George’s father tells his mother “Shikata ga nai” or “It
can’t be helped.” Do you agree with this concept? How do you think this attitude might
have been helpful to Japanese Americans during incarceration? Do you think it could be
harmful?
3. George’s mother brings her sewing machine, even though it is against the rules. How
does the family react to seeing it? Why do you think they react this way?
4. How does George’s mother feel about the mess hall? Why do you think losing
responsibility in this way was distressing? Can you think of other examples of how family
roles changed in the camps?
5. Work together to define community. Why do you think it was so important for Japanese
Americans at Rohwer to form a community?
6. How was the children’s experience of the camp different from the adults’ experiences?
7. When George’s family drives outside the fence for a day, the authors chose to include
very little narration or dialogue. Why do you think this is?