Hitler's Eight Stages Of Genocide Analysis

“Victims of crimes against humanity are afflicted well beyond just the physical harm and the emotional stresses of war; they also experience intense programmed denigration, humiliation, and all kinds of abuses, physical, sexual, and emotional.” This quote is from a Holocaust victim and survivor speaking out about his experience in a concentration camp (Parens). To begin, the term genocide is viewed differently depending on the people involved, and has eight specific steps. In Nazi Germany, repeated and conflicting views of the Jews created tension. This creates eight stages of genocide that significantly pertain to Hitler’s “Final Solution.” Finally, genocide prevention and outcomes can be limited if the global society involves themselves
In the first stage, the target group is made known and classified. All cultures have categories to distinguish people into “us” and “them.” This is done according to race, religion, or nationality (Stanton). Symbolization is the second stage; the target group is given names or symbols to the classifications. Whether the symbols are wanted or not, it is still considered universally humane (Stanton). Next, in the dehumanization stage, one group intentionally denies the humanity of the other group. The target group is equated with animals, vermin, or diseases. It is typical for hate propaganda to be used in vilifying the victims (Stanton). The fourth stage, organization, is often done by enforcing militias. These special army units are often trained and armed to follow the leader’s rules (Stanton). Polarization is the fifth stage; extremists finally separate the groups. Laws are enforced that forbid marriage or social interaction, which intimidates and silences the target group (Stanton). Preparation is the step following polarization. Here, victims are identified and separated from the rest of society because of their religion. People are taken from their homes, concentration camps are built, and humiliation of the group is developed quickly (Stanton). In the extermination stage, mass killings begin and it is legally known as genocide. It is typically done in extermination camp etiquette, and the deed is completed by an armed militia of supporters. To the murderers, it is considered extermination only, because they don’t believe the victims are truly human (Stanton). Lastly, denial is the final stage that always follows a genocide. In this section, perpetrators dig up mass graves, burn bodies, and try everything to cover evidence. They deny any committed crimes and blame the occurrences on the victims