Journal Prompts

The United States has just announced that the race or religion you belong to is undesirable. You are now looked upon with hatred and disgust. People of the “chosen” race now spit on you and call you names anytime you are in public – even at school. How do you feel? What is your reaction to this hatred? How are you now going to act and react in public when you have to go out? November 11 th, 1941

Halfway through your school day, you are called to the cafeteria. Upon arrival, you find other students standing around. Finally the principal walks in and makes an announcement. You and other students are told that because of your race or religion, you are no longer welcome at school. You are told to gather your things quietly and leave immediately. Those that are allowed to stay stare at you as you pack your things and walk home. How did you feel as the principal made the announcement? What was it like to leave your school while others stared? How do you feel about not being able to get an education or socialize with your friends? What are you going to do now? April 12 th, 1942

Since you cannot go to school anymore, you have been spending a lot of time at home. Your parents have lost their jobs because their race or religion is no longer acceptable at their workplaces. Times have been hard. Your family is running out of money and soon it will be incredibly difficult just to have food to eat. As a way to feed the family, your parents have sold most of your belongings. The government has also required that you wear a letter on your clothing to identify your race or religion. (M for Mexican, C for Catholic, etc.) Explain what this will do to your life. Why do you think this is happening to you? What will your family do? What is your letter? How do you think your parents feel? January 3rd, 1943

June 29 th 1944 As a way to find happiness among the negative things that have taken place in your life, you have become extremely close to a significant other. Unfortunately, the situation in your town has worsened and some people have tried to leave the country or go into hiding. Your significant other has disappeared. You are not sure if he/she is hiding with his/her family or if something terrible has happened. How do you feel about this? What do you think might have happened? What would you say to this person if you were able to see them again?

November 11 th, 1944 You and your family can no longer leave your house. Any possessions you still have must be turned over to the police - your car, your valuables, even your silverware and dishes. You cannot visit the grocery store, friends houses, or gather with others for any reason. Your church has been burned to the ground. You have no contact with the outside world and can only guess about what might be happening and what might happen soon. You are trying to stay busy and positive. Make up a daily schedule for one of your days, by listing an activity for every hour from the time you wake until you go to sleep. Remember your family has surrendered most of your possessions and you cannot leave your house.