"The racism in the story doesn’t necessarily need the context of the Japanese internment to be understood, but to truly understand and emphasize with the grief of the family it is vital."
This opening line stopped me in my tracks. I'm not sure why, but your use of the word racism made me think. Even though these acts are quite obviously racists, I had never really associated the word with the situation.

I am 100% with you about some of the other students and their depth in writing. I struggle immensely with this class and I hope you have your "ah-ha" moment and do well!