Racism in Snow Falling On Cedars Essay

Racism Seen in Snow Falling on Cedars

Snow falling on Cedars is an American novel written in 1994, by David Guterson. The novel is took place on San Piedro Island in the state of Washington in 1954. At this time, Japanese Americans were victim of prejudice due to the attack of World War II. When these Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour, white Americans viewed Japanese citizens in a whole new perspective. There are many themes in this novel; however racism is the most powerful theme in the book. Throughout the book, the audience encounters several examples of racism. A lot of the example of racism is seen from the white Americans; however the Japanese are not only the victims. The Japanese also was very racist toward the American. The main plot which is seen as Kabuos trial reveals a lot of discrimination from the community. Another example of racism is seen in the subplot between Ishmael and Hatsue. Finally, the last example is seen by the Japanese towards the white Americans. Overall, racism is the most powerful and significant topic in the novel, Snow Falling on Cedars.

The main plot, which is Kabuos trial, reveals various scenes that reveal racism. Initially, from the beginning of the novel Kabuo's trial gives theaudiencea hint of the quiet racism that is present in the town. The courtroom is already bias towards Kabuo Miyamotos guilt feeling that he is already guilty. Throughout the novel, the audience encounters more examples of racism from the Americans. Etta Heine's, Kabuos neighbour, views on Japanese Americans caused her to hate sellingher family land to the Miyamotos. While the Miyamotos were sent away at the camps, shetook the opportunity to sellthe land they were holding and return their money. However, it is seen my Mrs. Heine that she did the right thing, because they were not able to pay it any ways. An example of discrimination seen by the community was in the courtroom, where the Japanese citizens sat in the back, not by law but because of the society. During that time period, the white Americans were much superior than Japanese. Japanese American were not able own land, or not be able to become American citizens if they were not already citizen due to this discrimination. The final example that expressed extreme racism in Kabuos trial is when Alvin Hook commented that the juror should take to consideration Kabuos eyes and face when making the final decision. Alvin Hooks was the prosecutor against Kabuos trial, and clearly is very racist. However, racism against Japanese was not only seen in Kabuos trial, but in love as well.

Through out the story we see troubles in relationships due to the racial conflicts. Hatsue, Kabuos present wife, had a previous interest for a white man, name Ishmael. It worries what herfamilieswill think about herrelationship withIshmael. While Ishmael, is not as concerned about Hatsue coming from another race. Later it is seen that Hatsue falls in love withKabuo partly because he seen perfect for her and her family. Fujiko, Hatsues mother, felt that it was inappropriate for Hatsue to continue her relationship with Ishmael, not because she does not like but simply because he is white and not Japanese. Due to the fear of losing her reputation, and the fear of going again the society Hatsue decided to abandon her love for Ishmael. However, Ishmael does not realize this completely because her father supported