Originally published in 2011 in Hebrew as: G'enosaid : U-viʻarta ha-raʻ mi-ḳirbekha : Shoʼah ṿe-retsaḥ ʻam ke-maʻaśe yadenu, bene-adam. Includes bibliographical references (pages 219-230) and index.
Contents:
Who are we as human beings? How do ordinary people commit violence? -- The foundations of evil in human nature -- Exaggerated self-defense, exaggerated power, and dehumanization -- "Just like everyone else": conformity and the lure of the golden calf -- SS footsteps: putting on the uniforms of camp guards and sacrificing others -- "I did nothing wrong": denial and improper management of emotions -- Summing up: who are we and what will become of us? : toward our individual and collective futures -- Independent study: Learning exercises about how we cause harm and protect life -- Appendix: Studies on Israeli willingness to commit evil.
Summary:
In The Genocide Contagion, Israel W. Charny asks uncomfortable questions about what allows people to participate in genocide-either directly, through killing or other violent acts, or indirectly, by sitting passively while witnessing genocidal acts. Charny draws on both historical and current examples such as the Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide, and presses readers around the world to consider how they might contribute to genocide. Given the number of people who die from genocide or suffer indirect consequences such as forced migration, Charny argues that we must all work to resist and to learn about ourselves before critical moments arise.
Series:
Studies in genocide: religion, history, and human rights
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.