I have a few questions about genocide:
- Is what the Germans did to the Jews during WWII genocide? (Note: it is frequently referred to as such.)
- Is what the Europeans did to the native North Americans genocide? (Note: it is very rarely referred to as such.)
- When is genocide justifiable?
- Did the people who instigated and perpetuated these campaigns (which included murder, rape, enslavement and torture) know any better? In other words, can their deeds be understood and forgiven within the greater context and culture of the time, therefore lessening the impact and responsibility of what was done?
- Is it only genocide if you are the victim? Is it something else if you are the aggressor?
I would appreciate it if you could answer these questions as best you can in order to discuss what genocide actually is, and what impact it has on the future.
