Transcript The 8 stages of Genocide

The 8 stages
of Genocide
 Genocide:
any act committed with intent
to destroy in whole or in part a national,
ethnic, racial, or religious group.
 The
process: genocide has 8 stages, they
occur in order, and each stage reinforces
the other.
Stage 1
Classification: distinguish between “us” and
“them” (a natural human tendency).
How do WE classify in todays society?


May be defined by rigid laws (Nazi
Nuremberg laws, “one drop” laws in USA,
apartheid classifications in S. Africa).
Will often prohibit interaction between
categories.
Stage 2
Symbolization:




a name for a classification (Jew, Muslim,
etc.)
physical characteristic (skin color, nose
shape)
Customary characteristics (style of dress)
Later, as the genocide progresses, govt.
may require to wear identifying
symbol/clothing (yellow star)
Stage 3
Dehumanization: denial of the humanity of
others



Treating the victims as less than human.
The targeted population is often likened to
a “disease,” “infections” or “cancer”
The bodies of targeted group may be
mutilated
Stage 4
Organization: Planning by state, militia,
and/or hate group.

Does not need to be complex; mob
murders, death squads
Stage 5
Polarization: the systematic elimination of
moderates who would slow the
massacres.



Extremists target moderate leaders and
their families.
The moderates cannot survive (or the
adopt a more extreme view).
Now both groups are so polarized that they
cannot negotiate.
Stage 6
Preparation:



Identification: lists of victims created;
individuals forced to carry ID cards,
Expropriation: taking property
(money/things/land) of targeted group.
Concentration: forcibly moving victims to
an area (ghettos, churches, stadiums)
Stage 7
Extermination: the “final solution,” the killing
of all members of a group. Not
considered murder (by public) because
the victims are not considered human.


May be described as “ethnic cleansing”
Because they are not considered people,
their bodies may be buried in mass graves,
burned, or mutilated
Stage 8
Denial: historical records burned. Even
during genocide, may dismiss reports of
crimes as propaganda.



After the fact, may refer to reports of
violence as “unconfirmed” or “alleged”
Minimize the number of people killed
Disputing whether the killing fits the legal
definition of genocide
Stages
Name
Explanation
tage 1
Classification
“Us and them”
tage 2
Symbolization
give symbols to distinguish them
tage 3
Dehumanization
persecuted group is compared with animals, vermin,
insects, or diseases
tage 4
Organization
usually by the state or by terrorist groups
tage 5
Polarization
the groups are driven apart. Laws may forbid
intermarriage or social interaction. Hate groups
broadcast polarizing propaganda
tage 6
Preparation
Victims are identified and separated out. Death lists
are drawn up.
tage 7
Extermination
Mass killing begins, legally called “genocide.”
tage 8
Denial
Always follows genocide. Perpetrators try to cover up
the evidence and intimidate the witnesses. They deny
any wrongdoing and often blame what happened on
the victims.