War Without Mercy Chapter 1 Summary

War Without Mercy “Ultimately, it brought about a revolution in racial consciousness throughout the world that continues to the present day.” (Dower 4). During World War II, besides morbid deaths, racism was one of the ultimate factors which sparked this tragic period of time. With the use of propaganda such as cartoons, films, and several other media induced strategies, the extreme hatred between the Americans and Japanese was increasing. The idea of white supremacy was thriving throughout this period of time, and grew even stronger after the attack on Pearl Harbor. John W. Dower, author of War Without Mercy, includes several political cartoons and examples of the immense stereotyping which contributes to the idea of racism that is still

Take no prisoners. Fight to the bitter end.” (Dower 10). Slogans such as these were often spoken by soldiers and was a duty of their own to never surrender to the opposing side. Chapter 1, “Patterns of a War,” exemplifies the idea of no surrender, which led to a violent outcome. Fighting till the end was a much more glorified action rather than obeying the commands from the enemy. This mindset remained throughout the Pacific War, resulting in millions of deaths, especially with the Japanese. In addition to the violent war strategies, the use of propaganda began to flourish during the war. Chapter 2, “Know Your Enemy”, allows the reader to further understand what the films, booklets, and other forms of publicity were composed of. Why We Fight directed by Frank Capra, was one of the well-known films during the war and was watched by many. “Overall, however, the Why We Fight films reflected the strategic priorities of the U.S. government and focused primarily on the struggle in the West.” (Dower 17). Not only were the Americans creating such racist films and other propaganda, but the Japanese were employing the same tactics. By reading the title of Chapter 3, “War Hates and War Crimes,” the reader can conclude

Part III, The War in Japanese Eyes, allows the reader to receive a Japanese perspective and also grasp how devastating the results of war were. Chapter 8, “The Pure Self,” Dower explains the Japanese traditions and culture, along with the humiliation and discrimination the Japanese received. The Japanese believed their culture was unique, and spent this period of time during the war focusing on themselves and their race. Whereas yellow was the color of illness and treason and the Japanese were usually referred to as yellow, the color white symbolized purity which stood for the American race. On the contrary, the Americans were also known as demonic. Chapter 9, “The Demonic Other,” discusses the Japanese’s opinions on American racism, and seemed to believe Americans disregarded every other race except their own. Being aware of the segregation against blacks, the Japanese created propaganda such as books that illustrated the racism in America along with how the African Americans were treated. “Momotaro” was a well-known Japanese folk tale, which focused on the Japanese being superior to the white imperialists. The Japanese folk tale was found in magazines, cartoons, and films and had several versions of the story for all ages. (Dower 353). Chapter 10 focuses on the Yamato Race, and explains how Asia as whole could economically come together as a single