Transcript 8 Stages of Genocide

Classification (Stage 1)
• All cultures use categories to distinguish
people
• Based on ethnicity, race, religion, or
nationality (German, Jew, Muslim)
• Highly segregated societies have a high rate
of genocide
Symbolization (Stage 2)
• Names and Symbols given to ethnicity,
race, religion, etc.
• Distinguished by name, symbols, color, or
dress
• Symbols are universally human
• Symbols may be forced on unwilling
minorities
Dehumanization (Stage 3)
• Group treated as second class citizens
• May be compared to animals, insects, or
disease (“villians”)
• Easier to murder someone who is “less than
human”
Organization (Stage 4)
• Genocide always organized by government
or terrorist groups
• Plans made in advance for genocidal
killings
Polarization (Stage 5)
• Extremists drive groups apart
• Propaganda used to reinforce prejudice and
hate
• Laws implemented often forbid interaction
between groups
• Moderates/Educated often targeted
Preparation (Stage 6)
• Victims identified and separated based on
identity
• Members forced to wear identifying
symbols (Ex. Jewish Star of David)
• Segregated into ghettos(confined living
quarters)
Extermination (Stage 7)
• Mass Killing
• “Extermination” term removes human face
to victim
• Revenge Killings created “mutual
genocide” (Shiites vs. Sunnis in Iraq)
Denial (Final Stage 8)
• Always follows genocide
• Criminals try to cover up evidence (dig up
graves, intimidate witnesses, burn bodies,
etc.)
• Deny crime, blame victims for the genocide
• Block investigations
• Leaders deny unless captured and tried