By Margarita Muñoz Salazar

While our class was visiting the current JICC exhibit, there was a picture that really captured my attention. The picture had enemy soldiers lined up being taken somewhere while being escorted by Japanese-American soldiers. What stood out is that instead of being a tragic or upsetting description, it was humorous. After capturing German soldiers, the Japanese-Americans are able to make jokes of the situation and their situation by saying that the Japanese Army surrendered and confusing the enemy. Seeing that even these soldiers are able to have fun and stay somewhat positive made me feel happy for them, knowing that after all the hostility they have received, they are still willing to fight for their country and stay optimistic. This gives me a new perspective on the way I should see life. What these soldiers are telling everyone is that it’s okay to have fun during depressing times because we are human and it’s in our nature to look for distraction.