Rwanda Genocide Persuasive Essay

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Genocide regularly happens while different nations refuse to be included to the extent of denying their presence. Refusing to acknowledge such tragedy assists in helping to avoid taking on responsibility. The scariest passage in Gourevitch interpretation of the Rwandan genocide is the conversation he has with an American military intelligence officer in Rwanda. The officer’s remarks can be concluded to Americans thoughts on their lack of involvement and denial in Rwanda:

Gourevitch use of simile informs the reader of the Americans view towards genocide; a sandwich. He is belittling the genocide, taking away the emotion from it all. The use of this simile also allows us to envision danger that is performed on a mass scale to being on the …show more content…

Humanity is defined as the quality of being humane such as kindness and benevolence. Genocide can be considered as a crime against humanity. The American believes that the people of Rwanda aren’t considered to be humane, only Gourevitch and himself, seen in the lined The genocide didn’t affect them so why does it matter and The American seems pretty content with ignoring the genocide as he doesn’t consider it as genocide anyways. Individuals don’t care about what’s happening in Rwanda simply because it’s not their own citizens being murdered on a mass scale. He’s removing all responsibility and guilt for lack of participation from being involved. The American asks Gourevitch “Did you see a crime committed against you?” This radiates Western hemispheres perspective on international relations. The Officer’s failure to acknowledge what genocide is can be parallel to America’s failure to get involved in Rwanda. Americans weren’t victims to the genocide so as a result, the American officer is unable to sympathize towards the misfortunes that Rwanda has experienced. He mentions that, as if a million people slaughtered are an insignificant number, reassuring that they aren’t considered humanity so it’s ok that it was just a million. This is not seen as a problem to America as a