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Paired Texts > Why I Love a Country That Once Betrayed Me

by George Takei 2014

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

The Salem (and Other) Witch Hunts
The Salem (and Other) Witch Hunts
Mike Kubic

In "The Salem (and Other) Witch Hunts," Mike Kubic explores the Salem witch trials, and the various other prejudiced hunts that have occurred throughout history.

Pair “The Salem (and Other) Witch Hunts” with “Why I Love a Country That Once Betrayed Me” and ask students to discuss how fear impacted the actions of the American government during WWII. How do the two texts explore ways in which Japanese Americans contributed to war efforts during WWII? Ask students to discuss how the internment of Japanese Americans is similar to other “witch hunts” throughout history. What effect did the persecution in Salem and the isolation of Japanese Americans have on society?

11th Grade Informational Text 1390L
Did World War II Launch the Civil Rights Movement?
Did World War II Launch the Civil Rights Movement?
Annette McDermott

This article explains how the events of World War II launched the Civil Rights Movement.

Pair “Why I Love a Country That Once Betrayed Me” with “Did World War II Launch the Civil Rights Movement?” and ask students to discuss racism in American society in the 1940s. How were the experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II similar to the experiences of African Americans? How were their experiences different? How did the actions of Japanese American and African American soldiers during the war influence civil rights in America? President Truman told Japanese American soldiers after the war, “You fought… prejudice, and you won.” Was this true? Is that fight finished, or is it still ongoing?

8th Grade Informational Text 1220L
From Princeton to Prison: The Rise and Fall of My American Dream
From Princeton to Prison: The Rise and Fall of My American Dream
Mahmoud Reza Banki

In "From Princeton to Prison: The Rise and Fall of My American Dream," Mahmoud Reza Banki shares his experience being wrongly imprisoned. Pair “Why I Love a Country That Once Betrayed Me” with “From Princeton to Prison: The Rise and Fall of My American Dream” and ask students to discuss common themes in the two texts. How did George Takei’s experience with incarceration shape his attitude toward America according to “Why I Love a Country That Once Betrayed Me”? How did Mahmoud Reza Banki’s experience with incarceration shape his attitude toward America according to “From Princeton to Prison: The Rise and Fall of My American Dream”? How do both texts describe harsh realities of life in America compared to the positive image of the American Dream? How do the two speakers express optimism about their status as American citizens?

10th Grade Speech 760L
Japanese Relocation During World War II
Japanese Relocation During World War II
National Archives

The informational text, "Japanese Relocation during World War II," discusses the relocation and internment of Japanese Americans during WWII.

Pair “Japanese Relocation During World War II” with “Why I Love a Country That Once Betrayed Me” to provide students with additional information on the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. After learning more about Japanese internment, ask students whether or not they are surprised that Takei still loves the United States. How do you think Japanese Americans overcame this adversity? Do you think America has adequately atoned for this injustice?

10th Grade Informational Text 1220L
Father and son fight for a country which doesn't allow them to vote
Father and son fight for a country which doesn't allow them to vote
Ivan Watson, Pamela Boykoff, Paul Devitt and Joshua Berlinger, CNN

In "Father and son fight for a country which doesn't allow them to vote," the Floreses father-son duo explain that they want to continue serving their country in the US military, but they also want to be able to vote. Pair “Why I Love a Country That Once Betrayed Me” with “Father and son fight for a country which doesn’t allow them to vote” and ask students to discuss how some U.S. citizens, despite their treatment, show their commitment to American ideals. In “Why I Love a Country That Once Betrayed Me,” how were Japanese American citizens’ rights denied during World War II? How did many Japanese Americans show their loyalty and dedication to their country in spite of this? How did this impact Takei’s own relationship to the US? Compare this to the experience of American citizens living in Guam who enlist in the military in “Father and son fight for a country which doesn’t allow them to vote.” Why do people in Guam continue fighting for the US? How does Takei’s experience mirror that of the Flores father and son?

9th Grade Informational Text 1120L