the eight stages of genocide by dr. stanton, president of genocide watch
TRANSCRIPT
The Eight Stages of Genocide
By Dr. Stanton, President of Genocide Watch
The Stages
1. Classification2. Symbolization3. Dehumanization4. Organization5. Polarization6. Identification7. Extermination8. 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