Thank you for the apology. I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. But please keep in mind that many Americans were killed in that war by, not only the Japanese, but also the Germans and the Italians. Many Americans were later killed by (North) Koreans in the Korean War and by Vietnamese in the Vietnam War. Before that, many Americans were killed by their fellow Americans in the Civil War.

There have been many wars throughout history and at some point we have to let it go. To hold on to that is too similar to the people who think we should compensate them because their ancestors were slaves. Japan (Nippon) is now one of America's best friends. Although I have to admit that the Japanese are a somewhat prejudicial people. When my mother took me to Japan to have my eyelids done, the people made fun of her because she spoke Japanese (she's fluent) with an American accent. So we all have our faults.

I am a native born American of Japanese descent. I am most assuredly NOT a Japanese-American. But the term "Jap" is hurtful to me because it applies to me because of my ancestry. So I thank you for your apology.

By the way, most exchange students are fairly fluent in English, particularly those from the Orient. English is required in schools there. But most people from other countries do prefer to talk with friends in their native language. We would too if we were in another country. I have to head off to school now, but if you want to talk about it some more, that would be fine.



Also, I only know a few words of Japanese. My mother refused to teach me. She's somewhat annoyed with me because I'm planning to take Japanese in college.