Powers opens up with various anecdotes about people who have been affected by war. She talks about her experience as a correspondent for The Post in a country where genocide is prevalent.
The preface recounts one story of a young girl who was murdered at a playground. She does into detail about the girl's day leading up to when the incident happened.
Powers talks about the definition of genocide. She credits the first use of the word to Raphael Lemkin in 1944.
In Chapter 3 it is discussed how German acts of murder were seen as rumors at first.
At first, many people didn't believe the reports of Jewish hate crimes and stories about the death camps.
Lemkin was inspired by Winston Churchill's radio speech to write his book. In his book he mentions the first use of the word "genocide."
People were horrified by the word while others believed the word didn't have any power.
Chapter 4:
Lemkin didn't want understand why genocide wasn't against the law.
Most victims didn't speak out after the war until it was over. They were fearful for their lives.
Only one of Lemkin's siblings survived the war. When he found out that his parents and other siblings were killed he was distraught about it.
On December 11, 1946, the word "genocide" was finally mandated as an illegal act of killing against entire human groups.
In 1948, the definition of genocide was settled. It was also determined what classified genocide and how it could be persecuted.
It was the first time the UN has adopted a human rights treaty.
It took 40 years to ratify and 50 years for anyone to be convicted.
Notes from class:
America has international power. U.S. is the wold power/influences other nations, leadership role. U.S, has military and economic power.
Better to have discussion and be aware.
Have Holocaust education, commitment to Holocaust awareness.
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