Notes: 8 Stages of Genocide

1. Define Genocide: The deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a
particular ethnic group or nation.
The 8 Stages of Genocide:
2. Classification:
a. “Us versus them”.
b. Distinguish by nationality, ethnicity, race, or religion.
c. Bipolar societies (Rwanda) most likely to have genocide because no way for
classifications to fade away through inter-marriage.
d. Classification is a primary method of dividing society and creating a power struggle
between groups.
3. Symbolization:
a. Names: “Jew”, “German”, “Hutu”, “Tutsi”.
b. Languages.
c. Types of dress.
d. Group uniforms: Nazi Swastika armbands.
e. Colors and religious symbols:
i. Yellow star for Jews.
ii. Blue checked scarf Eastern Zone in Cambodia.
4. Dehumanization:
a. One group denies the humanity of another group, and makes the voctim group seen
subhuman.
b. Dehumanization overcomes the normal human revulsion against murder.
5. Organization:
a. Genocide is a group crime, so must be organized.
b. The state usually organizes, arms and financially supports the groups that conduct
the genocidal massacres. (State organization is not a legal requirement - Indian
partition.)
c. Plans are made by elite for a “final solution” of genocidal killings.
6. Polarization:
a. Extremists drive the groups apart.
b. Hate groups broadcast and print polarizing propaganda.
c. Laws are passed that forbids intermarriage or social interaction.
d. Political moderates are silenced, threatened and intimidated, and killed.
7. Preparation:
a. Members of victim groups are forced to wear identifying symbols.
b. Death lists are made.
c. Victims are separated because of their ethnic or religious identity.
8. Extermination:
a. Extermination begins, and becomes the mass killing legally called “genocide.” Mos
genocide is committed by governments.
9. Denial:
a. Denial is always found in genocide, both during it and after it.
b. Continuing denial is among the surest indicators of further genocidal massacres.
c. Denial extends the crime of genocide to future generations of the victims. It is a
continuation of the intent to destroy the group.
d. The tactics of denial are predictable.
e. Types of Denial:
 i. Deny the evidence.
ii. Attack the truth-tellers.
iii. Deny genocidal intent.
iv. Blame the victims.
v. Deny for current interests.