III. Holocaust & Genocide Discussion Questions
- What is the difference between a holocaust and genocide? How would you classify witch doctor’s hunting Tanzanians with albinism?
- Discuss the Japanese American Internment Camps that resulted from the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Do you agree with the action taken by the Federal government? Was this necessary in the name of national security? What role did fear play?
- Genocide is always organized. Usually, government power plays a part in identifying “enemies of the state” and death lists are constructed. Carson Noir is in a position to identify the Clarion psychics and advocate that the ends justify the means. Do you agree? How does power and fear become unstoppable? Can one person make a difference?
- Hitler tried to create a “pure and perfect” Aryan race and Carson Noir seeks to destroy a possible “super race.” How does the classification of groups create an “us versus them” mindset? How important are universal institutions or identities? Do people need a sense of belonging to thrive?
- Why is vilifying a group of people dangerous? How does dehumanization overcome the normal human revulsion against murder? Why is the term “extermination” used?
- What is the role of the international community when there is a holocaust or genocide going on? What is the purpose of the Genocide Convention signed in 1948 after the Holocaust occurred?
Exercise:
- Ask students to watch Hotel Rwanda (PG-13) and write a response explaining how–in the communication age that we’re in–did the rest of the world not notice one million people being brutally murdered in three months. How can one person make a difference?
For more information on the Tanzanian Albino Association, please visit:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7518049.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7348528.stm
http://www.handofafricafoundation.com/wordpress/tanzania-albino-centre/
