What you can do to help...

Genocides progress when people who know it is happening don't speak up. Spreading the word about current genocides that are occurring can help make these crimes know. Then, pressure can be put on politicians and governments to intervene and stop these unnecessary murders.

The Book Thief

In the novel The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, death narrates the life of Liesel Meminger, a German girl living in Nazi Germany. Death also describes how it has been extremely busy, not only in Germany, but in other regions such as Russia and Africa. The story shows a different perspective than most novels about the Holocaust and the German people who sat and watched their country murder millions of Jews and minorities.

Current Genocides

A Tajik girl. The Tajik people have been victims
of violence from the Uzbekistan government.

Currently there are genocides occuring in: Sudan, Ethiopia, Chad, Zimbabwe, Burma/Myanmar, Uzbekistan, Kenya, and Burundi.

8 stages of genocide

There are 8 stages of genocide:

1. Classification: This is where a culture groups people into labels (ethnicity, race, religion, nationality).
2. Symbolization: Giving names or symbols to distinguish a group.
3. Dehumanization: Seeing a group as something other than human (animals, diseases, insects).
4. Organization: Creating a group that's main goal is genocide. These groups are usually created so that there can't be blame put upon the government.
5. Polarization: Separating the group from everyone else.
6. Preparation: People are separated and lists are created that identify who will be eliminated.
7. Extermination: The killing begins. At this point it can legally be called a "genocide."
8. Denial: Trying to cover up evidence (burning bodies, mass graves, intimidate witnesses).

Genocide in Iraq?

U.S. soldiers in Iraq

There is some evidence that could be used to prove that there might be a genocide currently occurring in Iraq. After the U.S. invaded Iraq, nationalist insurgents, sectarian militias and international terrorist groups have been targeting Iraqi civilians. Even after the withdrawal of many U.S. troops, the assassination of civilians is still occurring.

Early cases of genocide

Some of the earliest cases of genocide happened during the Medieval times in Europe. The Babylonians drove the Jews away from Israel, sending them to Europe where they were not welcomed by the Christians. During the Crusades the Jews were expelled from almost every part of Europe.

Why do genocides occur?

Genocides begin because of political or social issues. There is usually a charismatic leader who leads the movement to eradicate a group of people. The followers then make a conscious choice to follow along and participate.

Recently, there has been a genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan caused by a social issue. The Janjaweed, an Arab militia, are killing thousands of black Africans because of tension over land and grazing rights between the Arabs and black Africans.