Genocide
Picture Referenced
After discussing racism and prejudice with your students, a discussion on how these ideals can build and become destructive. The subject of genocide becomes relevant to discuss. Students need to know that the Holocaust was not the last genocide that has occurred. Discussion on how genocide begins and what students can do to help prevent genocide from happening again should begin. By talking about other genocides in the world, such as Rwanda and Darfur, students can learn about the dangers of existing prejudice and racism. A short history of the Rwanda genocide is listed below followed by an activity for your classroom. Discussion of America's involvement in Rwanda and WW2 should be related to what Spiegelman presents in Maus I.
History - Rwanda Genocide: After years of fighting between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes, the death toll rose to around five million deaths. The genocide reached the point where civilians were ordered to murder their Tutsi neighbors. During a three-month span of time, around 800,000 people were murdered. Most of the dead were Tutsi people, while most of the murderers, Hutus.
History - Rwanda Genocide: After years of fighting between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes, the death toll rose to around five million deaths. The genocide reached the point where civilians were ordered to murder their Tutsi neighbors. During a three-month span of time, around 800,000 people were murdered. Most of the dead were Tutsi people, while most of the murderers, Hutus.
Genocide Activity:
Ask your classroom this question:
1. Do you think there has been another genocide since the Holocaust?
Regardless of the answers, show them this video. Some students will likely know of the genocide in Rwanda and Darfur. However, they may not know what it was about or the gravity of these situations. Show the film listed directly below.
1. Do you think there has been another genocide since the Holocaust?
Regardless of the answers, show them this video. Some students will likely know of the genocide in Rwanda and Darfur. However, they may not know what it was about or the gravity of these situations. Show the film listed directly below.
In order to create discussion around the film, ask students these questions. Allow them to explain their opinions to the class.
1. How is this genocide different than the Holocaust?
2. How is this genocide similar to the Holocaust?
3. Do you think that we (United States) should get involved when this many people are dying in the world? Why or why not?
4. Do you think something along this nature has happened since Rwanda? Why or why not?
After discussion has ceased show them the video below on the Darfur genocide.
1. How is this genocide different than the Holocaust?
2. How is this genocide similar to the Holocaust?
3. Do you think that we (United States) should get involved when this many people are dying in the world? Why or why not?
4. Do you think something along this nature has happened since Rwanda? Why or why not?
After discussion has ceased show them the video below on the Darfur genocide.
After this video, ask the students to take out a sheet of paper, and write these two questions on the board. Have the class write their answers in essay form.
Or, pair the students up into groups and tell them that they are going to debate this issue in front of the classroom. Tell them which side they are presenting, for or against. Let them have time to formulate their argument and then have the sides debate.
1. Is it realistic to believe that genocides can be prevented or suppressed?
2. How can your actions and thoughts help reduce your potential to inflict or support genocide?