ns in Hawaii were treated much better then African Americans in the mainland U.S. This was more racial and cultural diversity in Hawaii, therefore whites did not make up the majority of the population. Also, African Americans in Hawaii were also considered as Caucasian. The reason being, African origin was classified as Puerto Rican, and Puerto Ricans were considered as Caucasians. Native Hawaiians often displayed sympathy for Blacks in unexpected ways. Blacks found the island to have a more welcoming environment than the one they left behind, many still experienced the racial struggle.Part of the prejudice directed at Black soldiers originated from white servicemen who warned the women they met about the dangers of being molested and raped by Black men. A Japanese American woman in Hawaii noticed how her views had been channeled in that direction, after a bus ride she wrote to her friend, “Gee, I was very frightened …Funny isn’t it how I am about them. One would be that way after hearing lots of nasty things about them.”(Lipsitz 346) Majority of the Blacks might be well behaved, but any rumors can easily change people’s mind and start a stereotype.African Americans also faced discrimination in the military. Few Blacks were promoted as ranking officers. Leading the charge against racism in Hawaii were the men of the 369th Coast Artillery Regiment- known as “The Harlem Hellfighers”. In Hawaii there were rumors from the southerners about how ignorant and dumb the Blacks were. Therefore, Blacks were often being called names while walking on the street. However, the 369th did not take the humiliation. “Once the ‘cracker’ made their first pitch, the 369th made their reply. A Black soldier would punch the speaker in the nose.”(Strangers in a Strange Land P. 153). A black man’s right to self0defense was formally endorsed by the standard of military justice. ...
