Syria Genocide or Not?

When it comes to whether or not it's a genocide and I can't say it is. I'd say that it is a war (a very dirty war) but a war non the less. There is a leader who doesn't necessarily represent the majority, but that can be said about most of the world's governments. It is terrible that the civilians are caught in the cross fire, but that always happens in war. Both sides are defending themselves, and neither side is completely dominating, the other. In conclusion this is terrible that it is happening, but a genocide it is not.

Who is to blame for these atrocities in Rwanda?

I believe that in the case of the Rwandan Genocide the Hutu, Tutsi, UN, and Belgian people are to blame.
The Hutu are to blame because the Hutu extremists were the ones who actually perpetrated such terrible deeds. The Tutsi are the ones to blame as well, because they ticked off the Hutu, by forcing the Hutu with sanctions, menial labor and a feeling of perceived superiority compared to the Hutus. It's like if you keep slapping a dog eventually the dog will bite your throat and rip it out.
     Of course the Belgians should take blame as well seeing that they started everything by taking over the land and favoring the Tutsis which would cause racial tension for generations to come. But the people who are truly disgusting in their hypocrisy and blame, are the United Nations. The UN was started to keep the world at peace and to stop any further genocides. BUT yet AGAIN the UN simply SAT BY and WATCHED the DESTRUCTION of the TUTSIS AND THE HUTUS. And what did they do? NOTHING!! ONCE AGAIN THEY SAT BY AND REFUSED TO LIFT A FINGER FOR THEIR "FELLOW MAN". But I don't blame the Americans, because I can see their fear in another Somalia incident. But not the UN the UN sucked at the Rwandan Genocide.

12-1-11

If I where the editor of Defiance, and given a choice on how to do the scene with the scout, I would have it stay the same. Kill the scout, and move on with your life. I chose that choice, because he is a nazi who would do the same thing to all of them and not think twice about it. That is my ethics, do unto others as others would do unto you.

11-30-11

The tactics used in the film Defiance, although reprehensable and terrible are justifiable. If you tell a group especially one of such magnatude that you will care and provide for them then you should do all that is in your power to protect and serve. As the saying goes, :The needs of many outweigh the needs of one.

Class activity 11-18-2011

The population of Belgium's  Jewish people was 60 to 70,000 during German occupation. Before the invasion the Belgian culture was similar to any western European nation at the time. Belgium is located by France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands. The Nazis invaded and took over Belgium in May of 1940 and were liberated in September of '44. During the occupation more than 20,000 Jews were deported. 25,000 were able to avoid deportation by hiding from German authorities. Fewer than 2,000 deported Jews were able to survive.

These are two pictures, one of two brothers from Brussels and on one of my friend John and myself. Things that are similar are that both include two males who seem to have a positive attitude towards each other. Differences though are that the picture including myself seems more energetic, while the one on the right is more reserved. What these pictures prove is that no matter what time it is or where it is you will always have friends and family. 

The Holocaust and it Stages

The following is an interpritation of information that I was taught during my trip to the Holocaust exhibit at the United States Air Force Museum from the Holocaust survivor Felix Weil.

1. Classification-The naming of people as either a "Jew" or "Aryan"
2. Symbolization-The Jude yellow star of David that all people classified as a "Jew" had to wear.
3. Dehuminization-Denying Jewish people the right to own property or coinside with non-Jewish people.
4. Organization-The SS starting under the ranks of Hitler.
5. Polarization- Seperating Jews from society and exiling them.
6. Preparation-Concentration Camps
7. Extermination-The Gas chambers at the camps.
8. Denial-Destroying the camps after Hitler's death inorder to cover up.

The story of Edward Racoubian

Edward Racoubian was a survivor of the Armenian genocide, and was born in 1908. His picture shows a weathered face with balding hair and an amazing mustache.

In the description of Edward's trek as a prisoner, Edward faced many challenges and horrors along the way. His face shows hints of fear, as his eyes look into the camera recounting the horrors of the journey. " Of a caravan of nearly 10,000 people, there were now only some of us 300 left. My aunt, my sisters, my brothers had all died or disappeared."


I believe that after the events recollected in the story by Edward, he was able to escape from the terrible Turkish military personnel and escaped to America.

When does Classification become a problem?

Classification and symbolization become a problem, if they are used in a derogatory way, or to prepare for the next stage of genocide.

Why does genocide occur?

Genocide occurs when a person rises to power and seeks to eliminate a culture the leader finds inferior.
Question 1: Who has commited genocide aside from the obvious people? (Huessain, Hitler)
Question 2: How offen does this stuff happen?