Thoughts. Words. Actions. This is the set of tools we were given when we were born into the world. Whether we are fully aware or not, these functions all hold immense power.

While reading “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei, I saw a common theme of the power of impact. One speech was able to declare war on an entire nation, and a politician’s ambitions condemned a group of innocent people to suffer more discrimination. Even if these politicians had no intention to subject the Japanese people to unfair treatment, the rivalry against Japan and the racism that always loomed in America provided the perfect kindling bunch to allow the spark of war to burn it up. Hate is a powerful force, and politicians like Earl Warren are able manipulate it for personal gain.

Impact can go beyond speeches and actions. Even printed words that lay flat on paper can affect human lives. In the novel, two questions were shown from a loyalty test were shown:

These two questions sent off many to war torn lives or subjected them to more discrimination. The way the questions were phrased set an elaborate trap that would cause internal conflict within those it affected. No matter how the questions were answered, Japanese lives would still be punished for being born Japanese. Many lives were lost in the Japanese infantry unit that fought for the United States, and prison or exile awaited those that refused to be treated unfairly.

Sometimes even words without a lot of intention behind them can lead to responses from others. For example, young George shouting “Sakana Beach!” without knowing what he really meant prompted a response from soldiers. 

Small actions from our lives now can show the impact we have on others. Simply complimenting someone could make their day, or missing a meeting with friends could sour your friendship. Even though people with more power and influence affect more people, we cannot deny that what we say holds some form of power.

No matter how we share our ideas with the world, we will inevitably leave some sort of impact. It is important to acknowledge the type of power that we hold and use it in a way for good rather than evil.