It takes 3. It takes 3 types of people for genocide to occur: the bully, the bystander and the bullied .
Actor 1: Bullies, Supporters and Silent Witnesses. There could be no genocide without a Hitler, a Hutu Power, A Rajapaksa – the genocidaires. These are the planners, instigators, and perpetrators, who plan instigate, and/or take an active part in the genocide. Henchmen do not actually plan or instigate genocide, but carry out the orders, this too makes them guilty of genocide. Active supporters (other nations,organizations and individuals) assist the bullies in carrying out genocide because they of the social, economic, political, and material gains. Others, may be passive, and may just enjoy the pleasure from the pain inflicted on the Target by others (this may be members of the group committing genocide, who may have nothing to gain, but feel pleasure through the suffering of innocent people.) Many people know what occurred, and have evidence to support their claims. They may even seen what happened, however for a variety of reasons and excuses, do not act. This silence makes the killings possible. Not doing anything from the material they know, is siding with the genocidaire.
Actor 2: Bystanders. The genocidaires could not have committed what they did without the compliance of bystanders. These are the people who remain on the sidelines and watch what happens and say [” It’s not any of my business” or “It is a civil war,” or cite “ancient animosities”; or turn a blind eye and pretend they don’t see; or simply don’t take a stand.] [“Authour William Burroughs makes the provocative statement “There are no innocent bystanders,” and then asks the equally provocative question, “What were they doing there in the first place?” These not-so-innocent bystanders circle around the bulied – the one who is targeted.”]
Actor 3: Victims. This is the targeted group that endures the sufferings inflicted upon them. Genocide is an extreme form of racism, and as a racialized group, this group has been targeted based on their race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, etc.
And, it takes one to end this: a strong body of committed individuals who continue to fight for the rights of the victims, and demand an end to policies of genocide.
“Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Tags: Speak Out
