Conflicts of War
Greetings after the weekend...
Here in D.C., where we have just been welcomed to the airwaves of WAMU-FM (and also WDET-FM in Detroit!), there's a new nip in the air during the early mornings and late at night. ...Maybe a good time to try out our fall fashion tips from last week. (Me? I have two kids to send to college so I'll be lucky to even get some new tights. So, I don't think there are any exotic leather handbags in my future.) It might also be a good time to sit yourself down and listen to some new music, or catch the latest documentaries.
How lucky for you... We have some of both.
This week, we've got information about two new documentaries -- both are about World War II. The first is titled The War because that's what it always seemed to be called by both those who fought and the families who supported them. It's produced and directed by Ken Burns, the highly acclaimed filmmaker whose previous subjects have included the Civil War, jazz, and baseball, among other subjects. It premiers on PBS September 23, but we've been covering the film for months now, owing to complaints by some latino activists that the film gives short shift to the experiences of latinos in the war. In response, Burns added more material, after a set-to. We have wanted to speak to Burns on this issue for some time, so we're glad to give you the chance to hear from him directly. That conversation comes tomorrow (Tuesday)...
Following the official release, once people have a chance to see the film(s) -- and see how the new material is worked-in -- I'd love to revisit the issue to hear how people respond.
And today...a film that premieres tonight on PBS. I doubt you've heard this particular story, unless you are of a certain age and lived a certain experience. Ben Kuroki was born and raised in Nebraska. After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, he and his brother decided they had to join the fight. But, first, Kuroki had to fight his way into the air corp (even though he was already a pilot). He went on to fly an incredible 58 combat missions. Let me help you picture this... Kuroki was only required to fly 25 missions, but flew 30 in Europe, and later another 28 elsewhere. Incredible. Meanwhile, 110,000 persons of Japanese descent were being interned back in the U.S. When his combat tour was over, Ben was asked to visit the camps to persuade people held behind barbed-wire to fight. Do you get the picture?
As the proud relative of three Tuskegee Airmen, I have some idea of what Kuroki was up against...only some idea. How could you know what it's like to fly for hours in a cabin with no air pressure -- where it became so cold your hands cold freeze to the metal if you took your gloves off -- unless you were there? And then, to know that when you tried to sign-up for this hard hard work, your government thought all you were good for was peeling potatoes, if that?
How could I know?
But films like Most Honorable Son help us get as close as we can.
Later in the week...
New music from... Well, it's a secret.
Here's another hint: "...If you're good to mama, then mama will be good to you..." I'm making it too easy for you.
And, we still want to explore what new information we can add to the "Jena 6" story. If we can, we will...
1:45 PM ET | 09-17-2007 | permalink
