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CM . . . .
Volume V Number 15 . . . . March 26, 1999
The Canadian government's treatment of Japanese-Canadian citizens during
the Second World War has been well documented, and, after many years, they
have received a token acknowledgment that they suffered unjustly.
Unfortunately, however, they were not the only people to fall victim to
governmental fear and racism. Barbed Wire & Mandolins tells the
little-known story of the internment of hundreds of Italian-Canadians
during the war.
After Italy declared war on the Allied nations on June 10, 1940,
shopkeepers, factory workers, and doctors from Nova Scotia, Quebec and
Ontario, were taken from work or home, and put on a train and sent to an
Italian internment camp at Petawawa, Ontario, where they were treated as
prisoners of war. It was weeks before families were notified that their
husbands or sons were imprisoned. Their businesses were padlocked, and
their families were harassed. Many spent years in the camp without a
hearing and were unable to see their families. After the war, the men
returned home to start all over with nothing except the good will and
support of the Italian-Canadian community. None of those interned were
ever convicted of, or even charged with, a seditious offense.
Surprisingly, the survivors who were interviewed are not embittered. They
all still seem shocked that this could have happened to them and that
something so tragically ridiculous could have occurred in this wonderful
country. A recognition exists that Canada was at war and that strong
passions led to mistakes.
However, as the film points out, as long as there is no acceptance or
acknowledgment of these terrible errors, an inherent risk to democracy and
fundamental justice exists. This fine film teaches a fine lesson to all.
Highly recommended.
Ian Stewart is a regular contributor to CM and the book review
column of the Winnipeg Free Press.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association.
Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice
is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without
permission.
Published by
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - MARCH 26, 1999.
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