The conduct of the Pacific War is seen by many as reflect of the racism toward the Japanese prevalent in American society during World War II. Historian John Dower examines the documentary and propaganda record in War Without Mercy.5 Japanese and Japanese-Americans had been herded into internment camps in 1942. By mid-1945, most major Japanese cities were already rubble, making them poor targets to demonstrate the power of the new weapon. The fire-bombing of Tokyo on March 10 had killed some 80,000 to 100,000 civilians. U.S. propaganda portrayed the Japanese as monkeys or vermin that had to be exterminated. [The racism had to be specifically directed against Japanese, not all Asians, as the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression was ongoing in China. Therefore, helpful instructions on “How to spot a Jap” (among other Asians).]
