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  • Essay / Genocide: roles, consequences and resources

    Table of contentsLiterature reviewTriangular complex in genocide researchIn the minds of the perpetratorsIn the minds of the victimsIn the minds of the spectatorsConsequences of genocidePrevention tactics of genocideTrauma: what can do you?Coping StrategiesConclusionThe consequences of genocide and mass violence has become a topic of popular interest over time. Genocide and episodes of mass violence can impact relationships between diverse groups of people and conflicts. Genocide has a major impact on nations, ethnic groups and families, even after episodes of violence and in the years that follow. There are three social classifications of people involved in genocides: perpetrators, bystanders and victims. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay After genocide, the mindset of individuals can be negatively altered, which can be paralyzing. When it comes to moving forward after enduring genocide or mass atrocities, resources are available to assist an individual in their mental and emotional healing process. When it comes to genocide, prevention is important. Educating others about genocide prevention is the first step in early prevention tactics and practices. Literature Review Genocide is a crime that affects the lives of everyone involved. It is not just a particular group of people who are traumatized, but everyone affected directly and indirectly. Although many lives are affected by genocide, there are also many consequences that each party must deal with after the violent event, such as mental, emotional, and physical trauma. These factors all affect the daily life of an individual and create an impact on the lives of those that may result in future generations. As survivors deal with trauma, there are resources available that can help them manage their emotions and fully process the events that have occurred, as well as coping mechanisms that can be used as a way to mitigate the mental and emotional trauma experienced. Triangular Complex in Genocide ResearchWhen studying genocide, most researchers have classified different roles involved in a genocide. These roles, as mentioned above, are perpetrators, bystanders and victims. However, one factor that is important to note when thinking about separating people into categories is that these labels often do not show or provide enough basic information about an individual's behavior and their role during a genocide. One study showed that people classified as perpetrators saw themselves as victims while the real victims were only retaliating against them. Often, bystanders were also seen as potential victims or even accomplices of the attacker, creating a triangular link between all parties. Individuals can be classified into these three categories; however, it is possible that someone played all three roles. In the Minds of Genocide Perpetrators Research on the psychological consequences of genocides involving groups of perpetrators has in many cases focused on the victims. Once a genocide has been committed and time has moved on, the mindset of those associated with the perpetrator fluctuates. Some show personal bias and attempt to whitewash their ancestors of their crime by blaming anyone or anything.it's something else. When attempting to clear the name of a member of a perpetrator group, exoneration strategies are often their first line of defense. Using exoneration strategies is their way of justifying what happened or trying to place blame elsewhere than on the perpetrators themselves. They manage to convince themselves that acts of genocide are the result of external factors and even go so far as to blame the victims for their own fate. However, not everyone associated with perpetrator groups wishes to exonerate those involved in genocide. For example, children and even grandchildren of Nazi perpetrators may interact with other close survivors of genocide, such as those of the Holocaust (Bar-On & Kassem, 2004). Through these interactions, differences can be discussed and mutual understanding can be gained. Although it may be difficult for members of a specific party to listen to a point of view with which they do not agree, the door can be opened to later reconciliation by recognizing the points of view of others. Although apologies can be made personally and publicly, all are sincere. Some apologies can only be made for the sake of a group's image or reputation. Perpetrators may believe their actions were justified given a set of circumstances, but violence is never justified, nor is it the right way to handle personal conflict with a large group of diverse people. In the Minds of Victims A crucial aspect studied among genocide survivors is the trauma associated with mass violence. For example, PTSD is a common condition resulting from such trauma. Trauma can take all forms, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, flashbacks, and many other emotional and mental reactions. Most survivors need help after a genocide which can be quite intense, but this is what is necessary to help victims suffering from extreme trauma end their lives. One issue that has raised many questions is whether or not signs of trauma can be inherited by the next generation's offspring or family members of genocide victims. Research has shown that the transfer of trauma is promoted within the survivor's first-generation offspring, but there is less research to clarify the effect of trauma on second- and third-generation family members, other than accumulated knowledge. However, it has been studied that there is an impact on second generation survivors as well as the third. Second-generation survivors may particularly struggle with separation anxiety and controlling aggression while the third generation struggles with anxiety, drug use, and depression. Those who are part of the third generation, however, tend to cling to memories that belong to their ancestors and, as a result, create false memories which can contribute to a form of PTSD. In the minds of spectators On the theme of spectators and their role in the genocide, they can either intervene or do as their name suggests: go to sleep. When bystanders do nothing to stop genocide, they enable the perpetrators to commit these crimes, which can incentivize the perpetrators to continue their horrific behaviors because they believe they are not wrong. It is important to note, however, that bystanders are not just those present and spectators during the genocide period, but include anyone who allows it to happen.produce (Woolf & Hulsizer, 2005). The spectators themselves, if they testify, are considered simple spectators. as many participants by allowing harm to be caused to others. Bystanders may, in the long term, develop feelings of guilt for the actions of their former loved ones, due to their ability to understand from someone else's point of view. By taking the time to intervene or see a different perspective from a victim's point of view, there can be an overall change in how a bystander reacts during the time of a genocide. Bystanders, even if it’s just one person, can make a difference and enact change. Consequences of Genocide When acts of genocide and mass atrocities are committed, they are attacks intended to inflict pain and harm on others. The consequences of genocide vary from person to person and among groups as a whole who share the common perspective of another group of people (Imhoff et al., 2013). Victims of genocide are affected forever. Not only physically and mentally, but also emotionally. These negative consequences for the victim continue and can never be erased. However, with the impact it has on victims, their pain can in turn begin to affect the abuser and make them question their motives and the reason for their actions. As a result, feelings of guilt can set in among perpetrators and even viewers, which can become haunting and endless. While victims work to heal from the trauma they suffered, perpetrators are now being recognized for their harmful and shameful role. After a genocide, when attempting to reintegrate into a society where they have made mistakes, perpetrators are not always welcomed into the community they called home before taking part in mass atrocities. All three parties, spectators, victims and perpetrators, experience trauma, whether the perpetrator or the spectator who can never get rid of the image of a dying person or the victim who struggles to continue their life after the conflict (Scarlett, 2009). Genocide Prevention TacticsDifficult living conditions, disagreements with others, or hatred of another group of people pave the way for genocide. The way people perceive others and the way they currently live can lead to chaos throughout an entire society. People blame other groups of people for problems that arise and use violence as a way to be superior and gain control. When talking about genocide prevention, it is important to emphasize that education is essential to instilling people with knowledge about violence and the negative marks it will leave on many people. Educating others about tolerance is an important skill to teach from a young age. Parents and educators have a moral and ethical responsibility to teach children how to accept others, regardless of differences in viewpoints. Teaching adults, not just children or adolescents, these important skills can mean the difference between conflict and no conflict in a society where there are many diverse groups of people. Teaching children and influencing adults that intervening when they witness conflict can pave the way for change is a way that can make a difference is crucial to their own personal understanding of conflict and its resolution. If they don't do or say something when involved, they too are bystanders who allow the negative behavior to continue...