Freed is the translator into English of The Experience of the Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima in a Poem, the haiku of a Japanese woman who was a teenager when U.S. aircraft attacked Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. The book discusses Japanese language and the nature of haiku, while offering historical perspective on how a recurrence of the bombing might be prevented. The workshop’s title, “Shadows of Our Sins,” stems the premise of Freed’s text that “we all consider the shadows of our own sins in the perpetuation of violence, rather than pointing the finger of blame at others. It is particularly important for us as Americans to consider this,” Freed contends, “because we are the only nation ever to have exploded an atomic device against a civilian population.” All three days of the workshop are open to the general public. Faculty from across the University will consider a range of issues involving the Hiroshima bombing and encompassing associated topics such as Native American genocide, genocide denial and destructive foreign policies.
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Events will kick off on Thursday, November 12, at 5:30 p.m. in the Native American Forum of the Behavioral and Social Sciences Building with the screening of “In the Light of Reverence,” a film that depicts the contemporary genocide of American Indians in connection with the sacred sites of the Hopi and the Winnemen Wintu Tribe of northern California.
Forum participants will include Maral Attallah and Joseph Dieme (HSU World Languages and Cultures), Sara Jaye Hart and William Herbrechtsmeier (Religious Studies), Saeed Mortazavi (School of Business), Samuel Oliner (HSU Sociology, Emeritus) and Calleen Sisk-Franco (Winnemem Wintu Tribe).
The workshop offers one unit of academic credit through the Religious Studies Department. Owing to University deadlines, it cannot be added for credit this semester, but arrangements can be made to attend this semester and receive credit during Spring 2010 semester. Details are available from the event coordinator, Professor William Herbrechtsmeier (wh1@humboldt.edu).
The workshop is also offered in conjunction with International Education Week (IEW), organized by Professor Selma Sonntag, Department of Politics. IEW students may fulfill some requirements with attendance.