The Crime Without A Name
Defining Genocide
What is this thing?
This is a Smore. Think of it as an online flyer. Less paper, a whole lot cooler, and just so much better than a boring worksheet!
As you scroll through this lesson be sure to watch the videos, analyze the pictures and write any important information in your notes (better yet... type it up on your device).
"Mr. Kostiuk, you're not here, so what are we doing?"
Defining the Crime
Think/Pair/Share with a Partner
- Without looking up the UN definition, how do YOU define the following terms: Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity, War Crimes.
- What are some of the differences between the three terms?
- Why is it important to have different terms for each of these crimes?
Once you have written down a few of your own ideas, share them with a partner and add to your own definitions.
- Did you have any different ideas?
- On what point did you disagree?
Video: Raphael Lemkin
- Why was it so important to Lemkin to get the Convention ratified?
- How did his personal life contribute to his efforts at the United Nations?
- Why was there opposition to the ratification of the Convention?
- Why do you think it took 50 years for the Convention to be used?
- What does the ratification of the Convention mean for the UN? The World?
Didn't get all the answers the first time? Watch it again.
Photo Analysis
Buchenwald
Warsaw 1943
Humiliating Jewish Citizens
Read
http://www.genocidewatch.org/genocide/whatisit.html
Once you have read the official definition answer the following:
- How does it compare to YOUR original definition?
- What was in the UN version that was missing from your definition?
- Is there anything you would add to the UN version?
Reflect
Lemkin felt so strongly about his purpose to define the crime of genocide and to have the UN ratify the convention that he committed his life to this pursuit. Think about what has come from the Convention, was it worth it?
Write your response in your notes. Be prepared to share some of your ideas tomorrow.