1. The 8 stages of Genocide

2.  Genocide : any act committed with intent to destroy in whole or in part a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.  The process: genocide has 8 stages, they occur in order, and each stage reinforces the other.

3. Stage 1 Classification : distinguish between “us” and “them” (a natural human tendency). How do WE classify in todays society?  May be defined by rigid laws (Nazi Nuremberg laws, “one drop” laws in USA, apartheid classifications in S. Africa).  Will often prohibit interaction between categories.

4. Stage 2 Symbolization :  a name for a classification (Jew, Muslim, etc.)  physical characteristic (skin color, nose shape)  Customary characteristics (style of dress)  Later, as the genocide progresses, govt. may require to wear identifying symbol/clothing (yellow star)

5. Stage 3 Dehumanization : denial of the humanity of others  Treating the victims as less than human.  The targeted population is often likened to a “disease,” “infections” or “cancer”  The bodies of targeted group may be mutilated

6. Stage 4 Organization : Planning by state, militia, and/or hate group.  Does not need to be complex; mob murders, death squads

7. Stage 5 Polarization : the systematic elimination of moderates who would slow the massacres.  Extremists target moderate leaders and their families.  The moderates cannot survive (or the adopt a more extreme view).  Now both groups are so polarized that they cannot negotiate.

8. Stage 6 Preparation :  Identification : lists of victims created; individuals forced to carry ID cards,  Expropriation : taking property (money/things/land) of targeted group.  Concentration : forcibly moving victims to an area (ghettos, churches, stadiums)

9. Stage 7 Extermination : the “final solution,” the killing of all members of a group. Not considered murder (by public) because the victims are not considered human.  May be described as “ethnic cleansing”  Because they are not considered people, their bodies may be buried in mass graves, burned, or mutilated

10. Stage 8 Denial : historical records burned. Even during genocide, may dismiss reports of crimes as propaganda.  After the fact, may refer to reports of violence as “unconfirmed” or “alleged”  Minimize the number of people killed  Disputing whether the killing fits the legal definition of genocide

11. StagesNameExplanation Stage 1Classification“Us and them” Stage 2 Symbolization give symbols to distinguish them Stage 3Dehumanizationpersecuted group is compared with animals, vermin, insects, or diseases Stage 4Organizationusually by the state or by terrorist groups Stage 5Polarizationthe groups are driven apart. Laws may forbid intermarriage or social interaction. Hate groups broadcast polarizing propaganda Stage 6PreparationVictims are identified and separated out. Death lists are drawn up. Stage 7 Extermination Mass killing begins, legally called “genocide.” Stage 8DenialAlways follows genocide. Perpetrators try to cover up the evidence and intimidate the witnesses. They deny any wrongdoing and often blame what happened on the victims.