Generational Changes |
The first three generations of immigrants were the Issei, (those born in Japan), Nissei, and Sansei. Due to strong Japanese cultural ties, these early immigrants retained much of their traditional customs and practices, a fact that contributed to the increasingly prominent American perception of the Japanese as stubborn, unfriendly, and different. Each successive generation became more "Americanized" as they blended into society. The most drastic change can be seen between the latter two generations, as the Nissei adapted to growing up in the Internment Camps.
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Japanese culture was dependent upon the precepts of Buddhism and Shintoism, evidenced by the stratified society and family structure native to the Archipelago. The Issei who first left Japan during the diaspora integrated slowly into American life, taking jobs on railways and other industries in need of labor. The second generation was more diverse job-wise and more flexible socially. However, it was the Nissei who underwent the greatest change, being born into the English language and being fully educated in public schools.
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