Hollywood's 'Pearl Harbor' Hida, like many Japanese Americans throughout the country, is worried the movie will spur anti-Asian sentiment. In recent days, Japanese American groups have, through press conferences and other public appeals, been preparing Asian Americans for a possible backlash due to the movie. Officials from the Walt Disney Co., which is distributing the movie, insist it is sensitive toward all groups depicted and isn't meant to be a history lesson. But many still wonder if audiences will distinguish between the loyal Japanese Americans and the Japanese military. The organizations have criticized the movie makers for not including more Japanese American protagonists, for not seeking more advice from Asian American groups and for portraying Hawaii as mainly white when a large percentage of its population was of Japanese descent.
History is important.
History needs to be portrayed and communicated. We would be upset if there are historical inaccuracies that cause misimpressions. The spy plane incident involving the U.S. and China, as well the U.S. Navy's sinking of a Japanese fishing vessel, have already fueled tensions. No one is safe in terms of what the repercussions might be. Obviously filmmakers are going to create drama.