8 stages of genocide-from some site
The eight stages of genocide are:
Classification
Symbolization
Dehumanization
Organization
Polarization
Preparation
Extermination
Denial
Classification
All cultures have categories to distinguish people into “us” and “them” by ethnicity, race, religion, or nationality. Bipolar societies that lack mixed categories are the most likely to have genocide.
Symbolization
We give names or other symbols to the classifications. We name people or distinguish them by colors or dress, and then apply them to members of groups. Classification and symbolization are universally human and do not necessarily result in genocide unless they lead to the next stage, dehumanization. When combined with hatred, symbols may be forced upon unwilling members of pariah groups.
Dehumanization
One group denies the humanity of the other group. Members of it are equated with animals, vermin, insects or diseases. Dehumanization overcomes the normal human revulsion against murder.
Organization
Genocide is always organized, usually by the state, though sometimes informally. Special army units or militias are often trained and armed. Plans are made for genocidal killings.
Polarization
Extremists drive the groups apart. Hate groups broadcast polarizing propaganda. Laws may forbid intermarriage or social interaction. Extremist action targets moderates, intimidating and silencing the center.
Preparation
Victims are identified and separated out because of their ethnic or religious identity. Death lists are drawn up. Members of victim groups are forced to wear identifying symbols. They are often segregated into ghettoes, forced into concentration camps, or confined to a famine-struck region and starved.
Extermination
Extermination begins, and quickly becomes the mass killing legally called “genocide.” It is “extermination” to the killers because they do not believe their victims to be fully human. When it is sponsored by the state, the armed forces often work with militias to do the killing. Sometimes the genocide results in revenge killings by groups against each other, creating the downward whirlpool-like cycle of bilateral genocide.
Denial
Denial is the eighth stage that always follows a genocide. It is among the surest indicators of further genocidal massacres. The perpetrators of genocide dig up the mass graves, burn the bodies, try to cover up the evidence and intimidate the witnesses. They deny that they committed any crimes, and often blame what happened on the victims. They block investigations of the crimes, and continue to govern.
Classification
Symbolization
Dehumanization
Organization
Polarization
Preparation
Extermination
Denial
Classification
All cultures have categories to distinguish people into “us” and “them” by ethnicity, race, religion, or nationality. Bipolar societies that lack mixed categories are the most likely to have genocide.
Symbolization
We give names or other symbols to the classifications. We name people or distinguish them by colors or dress, and then apply them to members of groups. Classification and symbolization are universally human and do not necessarily result in genocide unless they lead to the next stage, dehumanization. When combined with hatred, symbols may be forced upon unwilling members of pariah groups.
Dehumanization
One group denies the humanity of the other group. Members of it are equated with animals, vermin, insects or diseases. Dehumanization overcomes the normal human revulsion against murder.
Organization
Genocide is always organized, usually by the state, though sometimes informally. Special army units or militias are often trained and armed. Plans are made for genocidal killings.
Polarization
Extremists drive the groups apart. Hate groups broadcast polarizing propaganda. Laws may forbid intermarriage or social interaction. Extremist action targets moderates, intimidating and silencing the center.
Preparation
Victims are identified and separated out because of their ethnic or religious identity. Death lists are drawn up. Members of victim groups are forced to wear identifying symbols. They are often segregated into ghettoes, forced into concentration camps, or confined to a famine-struck region and starved.
Extermination
Extermination begins, and quickly becomes the mass killing legally called “genocide.” It is “extermination” to the killers because they do not believe their victims to be fully human. When it is sponsored by the state, the armed forces often work with militias to do the killing. Sometimes the genocide results in revenge killings by groups against each other, creating the downward whirlpool-like cycle of bilateral genocide.
Denial
Denial is the eighth stage that always follows a genocide. It is among the surest indicators of further genocidal massacres. The perpetrators of genocide dig up the mass graves, burn the bodies, try to cover up the evidence and intimidate the witnesses. They deny that they committed any crimes, and often blame what happened on the victims. They block investigations of the crimes, and continue to govern.