The 8 stages of Genocide

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.

Stage 1Classification: 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.

Stage 2Symbolization:

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)

Stage 3Dehumanization: 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

Stage 4Organization: Planning by state, militia,

and/or hate group. Does not need to be complex; mob

murders, death squads

Stage 5Polarization: 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.

Stage 6Preparation:

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)

Stage 7Extermination: 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

Stage 8Denial: 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

Stages Name Explanation

Stage 1 Classification “Us and them”

Stage 2 Symbolization give symbols to distinguish them

Stage 3 Dehumanization persecuted group is compared with animals, vermin, insects, or diseases

Stage 4 Organization usually by the state or by terrorist groups

Stage 5 Polarization the groups are driven apart. Laws may forbid intermarriage or social interaction. Hate groups broadcast polarizing propaganda

Stage 6 Preparation Victims are identified and separated out. Death lists are drawn up.

Stage 7 Extermination Mass killing begins, legally called “genocide.”

Stage 8 Denial Always 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.