The 10 stages of genocide have been observed and described by Dr Gregory Stanton as a framework to understand how crimes against humanity happen. The framework is supposed to help us spot early warning signs and potentially prevent a human catastrophe.
the full story
When living conditions worsen and the economy fails, people try to find reasons for their troubles. This is when political extremists can become popular as they blame certain groups of people and promise that by getting rid of them societies’ problems will go away. This can lead to the deliberate elimination of those who are different because of their race, religion, sexuality, or disability – a phenomenon known as genocide.
introduction to genocide
The 10 stages of genocide are a framework for understanding how crimes against humanity happen, so we can spot early warning signs and potentially prevent them.
Stage 1: classification
Stage one is classification: Extremists divide people into separate groups based on their different characteristics. This often happens to create an us-vs-them mentality or find someone to blame for social problems.
stage 2: symbolization
The second stage is symbolization: This involves assigning symbols or names to members of the other group. The goal here is to split the society and make it clear who belongs to who.
stage 3: discrimination
3rd is discrimination: The dominant group uses its power to deny others certain rights or privileges. Particular new laws may limit the freedom of the marginalized ones. Instances of bullying increase and the societal divide widens.
stage 4: dehumanization
4th is dehumanization: the targeted group is portrayed as less than human, often compared to animals or diseases. Stripping away the human qualities of a person makes it easier to justify violence against them.
stage 5: organization
5th is organization: This stage can involve violent mobs that are tolerated by the ruling class or even the creation of state-sponsored militias. In some instances, perpetrators now carefully start to plan the next steps of the genocide.
stage 6: polarization
6th is polarization: Extremists now demonize the targeted group and try to fully divide society by demanding that everyone must take a side. Moderators who want to reduce the tensions are often identified as enemies and silenced.
stage 7: preparation
7th is preparation. The criminals now plan for mass murder. They may identify victims by name or number, find where they live and acquire weapons or build facilities to aid their efforts.
stage 8: persecution
8th is persecution: Violence escalates. The targeted group is systematically subjected to harassment, displacement, or other forms of abuse. Often all of that happens under the disguise of security measures.
stage 9: extermination
9th is extermination. The mass killing begins. The culprits view their victims as less than human, believing they are “cleansing” the world of an undesirable element, and in doing so justify the use of disproportionate violence.
stage 10: denial
10th is denial. Those responsible for the cruelty deny their crimes, destroy evidence, blame the victims, and attempt to rewrite history justifying their actions as necessary for the greater good.
aftermath and accountability
This is why in the aftermath of genocide, the criminals must be made accountable and the trauma must be addressed. Then the survivors may heal and society can attempt to reunite. Note that the 10 stages may not occur linearly. They can happen simultaneously.
dr. gregory stanton call to action
Dr. Gregory Stanton, who observed the phenomenon, suggested preventative measures to battle each stage, even though he believed that ultimately only an international intervention can stop such a disaster. In Germany, Cambodia, Rwanda, and other places, help from outside often arrived too late for too many, which is why Stanton also founded Genocide Watch, a nonprofit to help prevent the next tragedy from unfolding.
what do you think?
What do you think? Is knowledge enough to prevent genocidal events? And if not, what other measures can we take to avoid the next human catastrophe? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Sources
- Rwandan genocide – Wikipedia.org
- Ten stages of genocide – Wikipedia.org
- The holocaust – Wikipedia.org
- Ten stages of genocide – Genocideeducation.org
Dig deeper!
- Check out the Genocide Education Project
- Learn about the persecution of homosexuality in Nazi Germany
- Learn about the Aktion T4 during Nazi Germany
- Learn about the Romani Holocaust
- Learn about the long term health consequences of a Genocide
- Learn about how dehumanization leads to a decrease in empathy and social interactions
Classroom activity
In the following exercise students will learn more about the 10 stages of genocide.
- Ask the class how they think genocides happen and what are the Stages or warning signs that can lead up to such atrocity.
- Show the class Sprouts’ video on “The 10 Stages of Genocide”.
- Take as an example the Rwandan Genocide and have the students identify the different stages that helped Stanton devise his theory.
- Ask the students what they think could have possibly prevented the genocide in Rwanda.
- Ask the students to reflect on themselves – do they keep certain negative beliefs about certain groups of people? Where do those beliefs come from? And how does social media influence them?
- Ask the students if they think there are warning signs present for Genocides that may be happening – or waiting to happen – around the world.
Collaborators
- Script: Ludovico Saint Amour di Chanaz & Jonas Koblin
- Artist: Pascal Gaggelli
- Voice: Matt Abbott
- Coloring: Nalin
- Editing: Peera Lertsukittipongsa
- Production: Selina Bador
- Sound Design: Miguel Ojeda
