The Eight Stages of Genocide By Dr. Stanton, President of Genocide Watch

The Stages 1.Classification 2.Symbolization 3.Dehumanization 4.Organization 5.Polarization 6.Identification 7.Extermination 8.Denial

Stage 1-- Classification “us” and “them” Bipolar societies more likely to have genocides Avoid: Search for common ground

Stage 2--Symbolization Names or symbols are assigned to each classification Color, dress, etc. applied universally to a group Avoid: Denial of symbolization

Stage 3--Dehumanization Group members equated with animals, vermin, insects, or disease Hate propaganda is utilized Avoid: Diminish propaganda

Stage 4--Organization Usually by the state; sometimes informally Plans are made for genocidal killing Avoid: memberships in militias should be denied, leaders should be denied visas for foreign travel, UN should impose arms embargoes

Stage 5--Polarization Extremists drive groups apart Laws forbid intermarriage or social interaction Moderates may be targeted to intimidate and silence them Avoid: security protection for moderates; coups d'état by extremists should opposed by the international community

Stage 6--Identification Death lists are drawn up Forced wearing of identification Segregated into ghettos; forced into concentration camps, or confined to a famine-struck region Avoid: Genocide must be called; international intervention, assistance needed

Stage 7--Extermiantion Implementation of genocide Avoid: Armed intervention

Stage 8--Denial Dig up of mass graves, burn bodies, cover up evidence, intimidate witnesses Avoid: Arrest and prosecute