Genocide

In 1944 a Polish-Jewish lawyer named Raphael Lemkin wanted to find a way to describe the Nazi policies of systematic murder. He then formed the word genocide by combining geno- ,group or tribe, and -cide, killing, to create a word that means trying to eliminate a group of people. Genocides consist of eight stages. The eight stages are: 1) Classification 2) Symbolization 3) Dehumanization 4) Organization 5) Polarization 6) Preparation 7) Extermination 8) Denial. Any acts or intent of destroying a whole or part of a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group is considered as attempted genocide. There have been many genocides in the course of history. One of the most well known genocides is the Holocaust. A current genocide is occuring in Darfur. Genocide is extremely dangerous, people are dying everyday. The only way to stop this is for everyone to be involved. Genocide can be prevented, but only if everyone does their part.

The Power of One

This is a You Tube video that we highly recommend that you view. It mentions and displays a variety of problems, one of them being Genocide. Please click on the following link to view the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIIXoOXj0Ek

The Holocaust

The Holocaust is probably the most well known genocide in western history. It took place in the Nazi controlled countries in Europe, but was started in Germany by a group of people called the Nazis, who were led by a man named Adolf Hitler. The Holocaust started in 1933 and then ended in 1945, only 64 years ago. It is considered to have been one of the worst Genocides of all time. Hitler persecuted homosexuals, the disabled, Roma people, basically anyone who was different, but his biggest target was the Jewish population. He was responsible for the deaths of 1.2 million Jewish children, and overall about 6 million Jewish people. But not just Hitler was at fault...
If more people had spoken out against Hitler, a few more of the people who perished could have been saved, but too many people stayed silent. Bystanders have a role too, don't be one, help.

Darfur

The Darfur genocide has killed more than 400,000 civilians so far.  It has also driven more than 2.5 million people from their homes.  Primarily non-Arab African citizens are being wiped out, their villages being burned and no one being spared.  Since the escalation of the conflict in 2003, those people who are suffering have ben crying out for help.  Many organizations exist today that are helping out by donating to the cause and gathering volunteers who want to help, like SaveDarfur.  This genocide can be resolved, but only if everyone joins the cause.  Please read the following paragraph to learn how you can make a difference.

What Can You Do?

No one can change what happened in the Holocaust, but there is a way to help the current Darfur genocide. There are many organizations that help darfur which you can get involved with. One very good organization is SaveDarfur. The SaveDarfur organization was founded in 2004. It is an organization that helps you make a difference, from the smallest donation to starting or joining a Help Group. For more information go to www.savedarfur.org and read about the organization. Go to the ABOUT US tab to learn more about the organization and find the TAKE ACTION tab to make a donation or find your local help group. There are so many ways you can make a difference. Genocide is real, and you can help. Take action now to help save innocent lives. You can make a difference, not just in your community or at your school, but in someone's life. Go to www.savedarfur.org now to make a difference.

SaveDarfur.org

Pictures

The cover of the anti-semitic children's book, "Der Giftpilz" or the "Poison Mushroom"

The Main Gate at Auschwitz, one of the six concentration camps designated as a death camp.

Bibliography

Bruml, Charles and Hana. "A yellow Star of David badge bearing the German word 'Jude' (Jew)." Photo Archives. 28 May 2009 <http://inquery.ushmm.org/uia-cgi/uia_doc/query/3?uf=uia_XpjgVa>. Holocaust."

"Cover of the anti-Semitic German children's book, "Der Giftpilz"." Photo Archives. 29 May 2009 <http://inquery.ushmm.org/uia-cgi/uia_doc/query/1?uf=uia_PmoRQn>.

"Genocide Watch." Genocide Watch. May 18 2009. 28 May 2009 <http://genocidewatch.org/>.

"Holocaust Encyclopedia." United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. 28 May 2009 <http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/article.php?lang=en&ModuleId=10007043>.

Maria. "World War II: The Holocaust." May 19 2009 http://www.east-buc.k12.ia.us/00_01/Sp/st_hol/hol.htmpowerofonespirit.

Narodowej , Instytut Pamieci. "View of the entrance to the main camp of Auschwitz." Photo Archives. 29 May 2009 .

"Power Of One - Bomshel." YouTube . August 27, 2007. May 19 2009 http://ww.youtube.com/watch?v=yllXoOXj0Ek.

"SaveDarfur." SaveDarfur. 28 May 2009. http://savedarfur.org