The Mexican Man Who Followed His Friends Into A Japanese Concentration Camp - Ralph Lazo

Summary

Ralph Lazo, a Mexican-American teenager, voluntarily entered Manzanar concentration camp during WWII to protest the forced incarceration of Japanese-Americans. Born in 1924, Lazo grew up in a diverse neighborhood and considered his Japanese-American friends as family. After the Pearl Harbor attack, he joined them in the camp, where he graduated from Manzanar High School. Drafted into the Army in 1944, Lazo served until 1946, earning a Bronze Star. His act of solidarity remains a testament to resistance against injustice.

Takeaways

• 🏭 Ralph Lazo was one of the thousands of people living in Manzanar, a concentration camp built to house Japanese Americans during World War II.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Ralph was a Mexican-American teenager who voluntarily entered the camp to protest against the forced incarceration of his Japanese American friends.
• 🏡 Ralph was born in Los Angeles to parents of Mexican and Irish descent, and his closest friends were second-generation Japanese Americans.
• 📚 At the time of Pearl Harbor attack, Ralph was a high school student looking forward to graduating with his friends.
• ⚔️ The U.S. government, fearing Japanese Americans might act as spies, ordered their imprisonment, leading to the establishment of camps like Manzanar.
• 😡 Ralph was angered by the forced removal of his friends and their families from their homes, which led to his decision to join them in the camp.
• 🎓 Ralph and his friends managed to graduate together from Manzanar High School, a school created within the camp.
• 💼 Ralph was drafted into the army in 1944 and served until 1946, earning a Bronze Star for heroism.
• 🏡 After the war, Ralph continued his education, got married, had children, and became a counselor and teacher.
• 🏅 Ralph Lazo is celebrated as the only non-spousal, non-Japanese person to voluntarily enter a concentration camp, highlighting his stand against injustice.
• 🎥 Ralph's story was made into a short film in 2004 called 'Stand Up for Justice: The Ralph Lazo Story', preserving his legacy.

Q & A

Who was Ralph Lazo?

Ralph Lazo was a Mexican-American teenager who voluntarily went to Manzanar concentration camp during World War II to protest against the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans.

What was the Manzanar concentration camp?

Manzanar concentration camp was a facility built to house Japanese Americans during World War II, as the U.S. government believed they might act as spies.

Why did Ralph Lazo decide to go to the concentration camp?

Ralph Lazo went to the camp to show his support against forced incarcerations and to stand in solidarity with his Japanese American friends.

Where was Ralph Lazo born and what was his heritage?

Ralph Lazo was born on November 3rd, 1924, in Los Angeles, California, to parents of Mexican and Irish descent.

What was the impact of the Pearl Harbor attack on Ralph Lazo and his friends?

The Pearl Harbor attack led to the U.S. government's decision to imprison Japanese Americans, which deeply affected Ralph Lazo and his friends, many of whom were of Japanese descent.

How did Ralph Lazo's decision to go to the camp affect his family?

Ralph Lazo's decision to go to the camp was initially misunderstood by his father, who thought he meant a regular camp. It wasn't until months later that his father realized where Ralph really was.

What was life like for Ralph Lazo at Manzanar concentration camp?

At Manzanar, Ralph Lazo lived in overcrowded living quarters surrounded by barbed wire and armed guards. He slept on straw-filled mattresses and did his best to keep everyone's spirits up.

How did Ralph Lazo's presence at the camp affect the other inmates?

Although Ralph Lazo was not Japanese and was easily identifiable as Mexican-American, his presence was accepted by the other inmates, and he was liked by everyone.

What happened to Ralph Lazo when he was drafted into the Army?

In August 1944, Ralph Lazo was drafted into the Army at the age of 19. He was taken from the camp and served from 1944 to 1946, earning a Bronze Star for heroism and combat.

What did Ralph Lazo do after the war?

After returning from the war, Ralph Lazo graduated from UCLA and earned a master's degree from Cal State Northridge. He became a counselor and teacher, teaching in California and Mexico.

How is Ralph Lazo remembered today?

Ralph Lazo is remembered as the only non-spousal, non-Japanese person to have voluntarily entered a concentration camp. His story has been celebrated for his bravery and commitment to justice.