Essential Questions
1. How could future genocides be prevented?
Preventing genocide begins with ensuring that all groups within society enjoy the rights and dignity of belonging as equal citizens. That means eliminating political and economic inequalities and promoting a common sense of belonging on an equal basis. The government must step up and make the right choices because perpetrators cannot succeed without the support of the government. Those who are responsible for mass murders need to be held accountable and prosecuted for their actions. It is important for our government leaders to protect the people by enforcing rules and laws. For example in 2012 President Barack Obama announced a series of actions to ensure the US is able to prevent and respond to these vicious crimes.
2. Why does genocide happen?
Genocides can occur for many different reasons. People feel the need to eliminate a real or potential threat. So, with that being said a group may be convinced that its existence is in jeopardy from another group and feel the only solution is to get rid of them. Another reason genocides occur is to spread terror among real or potential enemies. A group may also start genocide to acquire economic wealth. And, some are started to implement a belief of ideology. They may want to build a “pure” race or a utopian society.
3. How can we use history to prevent future genocide?
To prevent genocide, we must first understand it, and this is where history comes in handy. It is important to study and compare genocides so you are capable of developing a working theory about the genocidal process. But, just studying genocide alone is not enough. You also need to be able to be able to come up with different methods that can be used to prevent it. For example, centers for early warning, programs for conflict transformation, standing forces for rapid intervention, and international courts for effective punishment. Without taking these steps history is bound to repeat itself.
4. Why do we care about genocide?
We care about genocide for many different reasons. Epically now, more than ever, every country is connected to and dependent upon one another. The success or failure of one country is ultimately connected to the success or failure of the entire internationally community. Our own success and security depend on security in every country. It is our duty to protect all of the humanity and to ensure security for all. Without the help and empathy of our countries citizens, our nations would fall apart.
5. How are societies reconciled following genocide?
In ordered for societies to reconcile following a genocide they must first learn to accept that what happened as happened and there’s nothing that can change it. You have to hope that people learn from past mistakes so that history doesn’t repeat itself. Also, victims and perpetrators, or members of hostile groups, do not see the past as defining the future. Thy sees it as simply a continuation of the past. It means that they come to see the humanity of one another, accept each other, and see the possibility of a constructive relationship.
