Analyzing the Concept of Genocide - Essay Example

?Reflective journal: My began with studying and analyzing the concept of genocide along with comparing the works like Fein and Jones with the views of United Nations about genocide. Since the Holocaust, much research is done on this subject of genocide and though it has repeatedly occurred after the Holocaust worldwide, little research is done from the sociological perspective like when and why genocide occurs. It was always understood by me that there had to be one universally accepted standard definition of genocide but this course managed in changing that by revealing that such differences in definitions originate from the contrast in the purpose of the definers, contrast between scholarly concepts and legally specified definitions, and due to myriad political processes involved in devising an international convention (ISG, 2005). It is suggested by Fein that the deliberate action taken by a perpetrator to physically harm a collectivity either directly or indirectly is called genocide and it is an action which is sustained regardless of the surrender and no matter if the victim appears to be lacking threat or not (Fein, 1993). A more comprehensive and specific definition of genocide was presented by the UN Genocide Convention in 1951 according to which, any act like murdering members of a certain racial, national, or ethnic group, inflicting not only physical but mental harm to the group, taking steps to prevent birth within that group, or transferring the children of that group to another against the wish of the prior group’s members would be defined by genocide (cited in ISG, 2005). During my study of genocide, quite a many things struck me as interesting. Contrasting the views of different writers with UN in regards to defining genocide managed in gaining my attention. In this way, my knowledge also increased tremendously as the academic strategy of consulting definition offered by any one scholar keeps the knowledge limited and prevents it from expanding as it does when myriad schools of thoughts are consulted and assessed. I read about the 8 stages of genocide by Genocide Watch, an organization from Netherlands (January, 2007, p. 114), which made me feel quite enlightened as this gave me a deep insight into Another eye-catching bit was related to acknowledging how genocide as an object of activism developed in a parallel fashion with the development of human rights. Before studying genocide in depth from both sociological and historical perspectives, I used to think that it is just another form of human rights violation. Now I know that genocide is distinguished and differentiates sufficiently from other violations. It was also interesting to stretch my imagination to think about what possible contributions could be made by the international human rights management in preventing genocide. Interestingly I realized that commitment and concern was promised by the members of the Stockholm International Forum 2004: Preventing Genocide: Threats and Responsibilities in regards to strictly preventing the repeated occurrence of mass murder and ethnic cleansing (Prevent Genocide International, 2004). It is suggested that to the increasing signs of genocide, “neither the United Nations Secretariat, nor the Security Council, nor Member States in general, nor the international media, paid enough attention” (Prevent Genocide International, 2004). The experiences were analyzed sufficiently which gave me an insight into how I myself might change things or even myself in regards to preventing the ethnic cleansing or killing of racial, religious, or ethnic groups. I suppose that such practical tools or strategies should be developed and used which could detect, monitor, report, and prevent any genocidal threat to humanity and society so as to restrict the recurrence of this crime against humanity. Respect and dialogue should be promoted so as to promote every culture and minimize any genocidal prospect (ICRC, 2010). About changing myself, I think that I have to commit myself to the responsibility of protecting groups in my society which happen to be vulnerable or which are already identified as potential targets of genocide regardless of race and color. This is why I suppose that thinking negatively about genocide at heart has little to do eliminating fear but practically moving ahead to stand by the potential victims of genocide has everything to do about ridding oneself from fear. There are a variety of things one could do to rid a society from this social crime. I, on my part, should also be committed to support the survivors of genocide or mass killing in any way I can like by helping them to reconstruct their communities and psychologically convincing them to return towards normal life. The studies related to genocide certainly have an impact on my life and the ideas I built during this course, they can also contribute to further reading. This will help me in becoming a responsible citizen who is more committed towards protecting the minority groups in the society and keen to promote dialogue and respect between different racial groups. I might take it upon myself to raise awareness among my fellows and other society members about how important it is to remain committed to ensuring that those starting or fueling a genocide are brought to justice. “The international community has duties, rather than mere interests, in the protection of individuals” (Pace & Deller, 2005, p. 19). Many time people from the dominant groups hesitate to stand by the vulnerable groups out of sheer pride due to their color or race or because they feel afraid of being victimized themselves. After going through this course, I have realized that irresponsible handling of words and dialogue have often resulted in fueling the genocidal prospects and hatred so words should be used carefully and every effort should be made to restrict the use of words which humiliate any certain group directly or indirectly. Such is the impact produced by this course that I will never forget the horror of genocide and will always strive to increase mutual understanding and apply the international humanitarian law so as to promote peace. The ideas I built like how the world has yet not developed the international institutions needed to predict and prevent a genocide (Stanton, 2003) will also contribute to further literature I will read because I aim to do more research on this particular idea. References: Fein, H 1993, Genocide: a sociological perspective, Sage Publications. ICRC 2010, Preventing Genocide: threats and responsibilities, viewed, 20 August, 2012, ISG 2005, Social Scientists' Definitions of Genocide, viewed, 20 August, 2012, January, B 2007, Genocide: Modern Crimes Against Humanity, USA: Twenty-First Century Books. Pace, WR, & Deller, N 2005, Preventing Future Genocides: An International Responsibility to Protect, World Order, vol. 36, no. 4, pp. 15-32. Prevent Genocide International 2004, Declaration by the Stockholm International Forum 2004, viewed, 20 August, 2012, Prevent Genocide International 2004, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Action Plan to Prevent Genocide, viewed, 20 August, 2012, Stanton, GH 2003, HOW WE CAN PREVENT GENOCIDE, viewed, 20 August, 2012, Read More