You assume that prejudice and fear is rational. During those periods of war, if it appeared to some people, to be German - than to "some people", it was German. Here in Ohio there are many German background people. We have a Bratwurst festival in August. However, during WWII our friend changed the spelling of their last name from Goebelt to Gable, as it was less "German." He was a wonderful man who was killed by a car several years ago. SO glad we listened to his stories while he was still living.... Peg Ballou Ohio