Classification (Stage 1)

• All cultures use categories to distinguish people

• Based on ethnicity, race, religion, or nationality (German, Jew, Muslim)

• Highly segregated societies have a high rate of genocide

Symbolization (Stage 2)

• Names and Symbols given to ethnicity, race, religion, etc.

• Distinguished by name, symbols, color, or dress

• Symbols are universally human

• Symbols may be forced on unwilling minorities

Dehumanization (Stage 3)

• Group treated as second class citizens

• May be compared to animals, insects, or disease (“villians”)

• Easier to murder someone who is “less than human”

Organization (Stage 4)

• Genocide always organized by government or terrorist groups

• Plans made in advance for genocidal killings

Polarization (Stage 5)

• Extremists drive groups apart

• Propaganda used to reinforce prejudice and hate

• Laws implemented often forbid interaction between groups

• Moderates/Educated often targeted

Preparation (Stage 6)

• Victims identified and separated based on identity

• Members forced to wear identifying symbols (Ex. Jewish Star of David)

• Segregated into ghettos(confined living quarters)

Extermination (Stage 7)

• Mass Killing

• “Extermination” term removes human face to victim

• Revenge Killings created “mutual genocide” (Shiites vs. Sunnis in Iraq)

Denial (Final Stage 8)

• Always follows genocide

• Criminals try to cover up evidence (dig up graves, intimidate witnesses, burn bodies, etc.)

• Deny crime, blame victims for the genocide

• Block investigations

• Leaders deny unless captured and tried