No-no boy

Definition

A no-no boy refers to a Japanese American who refused to answer 'yes-yes' or 'no-no' to questions posed by the U.S. government during World War II, specifically in relation to loyalty questionnaires issued to Japanese internees. This term highlights the complexities of identity and loyalty experienced by Japanese Americans who were forced into internment camps, while also illustrating broader themes of resistance and cultural struggle within Asian American literature and arts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. No-no boys were primarily those who answered 'no' to questions about serving in the U.S. military or renouncing allegiance to the Emperor of Japan on loyalty questionnaires.
2. The term originated from John Okada's novel 'No-No Boy,' which tells the story of a Japanese American man grappling with his identity after the war and his experiences as a no-no boy.
3. Many no-no boys faced ostracism and discrimination from both their fellow Japanese Americans and the broader American society, highlighting the societal divisions created by wartime policies.
4. The no-no boy phenomenon reveals the profound internal conflict faced by individuals caught between two cultures, questioning their place in America amidst discrimination and injustice.
5. Literary works about no-no boys often explore themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of racism, contributing to a rich body of Asian American literature that reflects personal and collective histories.

Review Questions

• How did the loyalty questionnaires impact the identity of Japanese Americans during World War II?
  • The loyalty questionnaires significantly affected the identity of Japanese Americans by forcing them to confront conflicting loyalties between their heritage and their citizenship. The questions posed complicated choices about allegiance that divided families and communities, creating tensions among those who answered differently. This experience was deeply traumatic for many, as it challenged their sense of belonging in a country that had subjected them to internment.
• Discuss the representation of no-no boys in Asian American literature and how it reflects larger societal issues.
  • In Asian American literature, no-no boys are often portrayed as symbols of struggle against systemic racism and cultural alienation. Works like John Okada's 'No-No Boy' highlight their internal conflicts and societal rejection, reflecting larger issues such as identity crisis, betrayal, and resilience. These narratives serve not only as personal stories but also as critiques of government policies that marginalized an entire ethnic group, enriching the discourse on race relations in America.
• Evaluate how the experiences of no-no boys contribute to our understanding of Asian American history and cultural identity.
  • The experiences of no-no boys are pivotal in understanding Asian American history as they exemplify the intersection of race, loyalty, and identity during a tumultuous time. Their narratives shed light on how wartime policies can lead to long-lasting effects on communities, shaping cultural identity through trauma and resistance. By examining these stories, we gain insight into the complexities of belonging in America, recognizing that cultural identity is often forged through adversity and reflection on historical injustices.

Related terms

Executive Order 9066: The U.S. presidential directive signed in 1942 that authorized the forced relocation and internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II.

Japanese American Internment: The incarceration of Japanese Americans in camps across the United States during World War II, driven by wartime hysteria and racial prejudice.

Loyalty Questionnaire: A series of questions posed to Japanese American internees to determine their loyalty to the U.S., which often resulted in complex and divisive responses among the community.