“Haven’t you heard/it’s a battle of words/the poster bearer cried/listen, son/said the man with the gun/there’s room for you inside”-Pink Floyd, Us and Them

 

The Second World War is such an incredibly fascinating and complex topic that has shaped the modern world in profound ways. From the rise of Fascism across Europe and Asia, to the devastating consequences of the first atomic bomb, and even the unsettling parallels we can draw between the events of the 1930s and today, World War Two remains one of the most significant and widely studied periods in history. The sheer scale of its impact is overwhelming—encompassing global politics, human rights, technological advancements, and cultural shifts. If you wanted to fully understand every aspect of WW2, it would likely require decades of dedicated research, taking you well into your 80s. Even then, it would be impossible to share all of that knowledge with others, considering the average life expectancy in Canada is 81 years. Because of the vast scope of this conflict, we chose to narrow our focus and explore how the war specifically affected Canadian identity. To showcase our learning, we created something called a zine, which is essentially a small magazine that highlights a specific topic in an accessible way.

For my zine, I decided to focus on the treatment of Japanese Canadians during World War II and examine how its repercussions are still felt today. If you aren’t familiar with this part of Canadian history, in 1942 Japanese Canadians became the target of systemic discrimination and internment in British Columbia. Thousands of families were forcibly removed from their homes, stripped of their possessions, and placed in internment camps in the interior of British Columbia. This chapter in Canadian history serves as a reminder of how fear and prejudice can undermine justice. My zine dives deeper into this story, which you can read here:

Overall, I believe this project was a success. From start to finish, I felt engaged in the process of learning and creating. I think that I was able to effectively and efficiently communicate my ideas and learning through the medium of a Zine. One particularly meaningful and inspiring part of this project was the opportunity to send a Canadian flag to the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France. Knowing that the flag will be displayed at a site that educates people and honours Canada’s contributions and sacrifices during World War II makes me feel connected to history in a much more personal way. From the economy and increasing autonomy, to racism and immigration, the Second World War marked a turning point in Canadian identity. This project not only helped me develop a greater understanding of Canada’s role in the war but also gave me a deeper appreciation for the stories and struggles that continue to shape our country today.