Eighty years after Executive Order 9066, there is still discussion around the terminology to describe forced removal and the physical camps.
The words we use to discuss or describe historical events can change over time, as people reflect on and analyze their impact.
To guide our word choices, the Redmond Historical Society utilized terminology resources from the National Park Service and the Seattle non-profit Densho. Here are a few key terms to know.
Please note that the Redmond Historical Society has opted not to change historical titles or photo captions that utilize some of the language outlined below, but we hope that this guide will illustrate why other terms are preferred by present-day scholars and historians.
Assembly Centers: This term describes places where Japanese Americans were held under armed guard before going to another more permanent location. Modern terminology such as detention center, confinement site, and incarceration center better communicate the use of military and political force in this step of forced removal.
Reception and Relocation Centers: This term has historically been used to describe more permanent camps run by the War Relocation Authority. However, this does not accurately describe the harsh conditions, loss of cultural and family ties, or the armed surveillance that incarcerated Japanese Americans faced. Modern terms include confinement centers, incarceration sites, or sites of confinement unless referring to a proper noun.
Incarceration vs Internment: Although "internment" is commonly used and widely recognized, it refers to the holding of "enemy aliens" during time of war. However, two-thirds of the Japanese American individuals incarcerated during this period were American Citizens by birth and by right, so this description is inaccurate. In contrast, incarceration refers to people confined or held against their will, without being found guilty of a crime. This is the preferred term as it more accurately describes the type of confinement many Japanese Americans experienced during this time.
Evacuation vs Relocation vs Removal: The terms "evacuation" and "relocation" were used by the US Army and other government officials to describe the removal of Japanese Americans in California or parts of Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Arizona. These terms soften the reality of families abruptly uprooted and forced to leave behind their homes, their belongings, and communities. Modern terms are forced removal, expulsion, and mass removal.
Evacuee, Internee, and Incarceree: The National Parks Service reminds us that, "When referring to people, try to respect their humanity by avoiding such labels." For example, rather than choosing terms like "former incarcerees," they recommend formerly incarcerated people.