The Rwandan Genocide has been at the center of controversy and debate for many years. Based on the readings from the newspapers articles I found it interesting that many Journalists compared the genocide in Rwanda to the Holocaust. Nonetheless, it makes me question why both of these historical events are compared to each other. The Holocaust clearly made a significant impact throughout the world. Throughout the past decades, the Holocaust has been highly publicized in books, documentaries, and even in Hollywood films. On the other hand, the Rwandan Genocide has not been publicized as much.
To be honest I knew very little information about the Rwandan genocide until this assignment. The only knowledge that I had of the Rwandan genocide was based on the major motion film called, “Hotel Rwanda.” Nonetheless, I never really thought to compare the Rwandan genocide with the Holocaust. Many film critics called the film Hotel Rwanda, “An African Schindler’s list.” This brings up the interesting combination of Historical events and Hollywood. In addition, it raises the question of authenticity within these historical films, and does it provide justice for the survivors in anyway?
Overall, it becomes a question of how history is replicated in today’s Hollywood films. In class we discussed about how some Holocaust survivors were deeply offended of a film/ show that aired on H.B.O. I believe film makers, and the actors have a great responsibly to the “survivors of the struggle” when recreating these historical events on to the big screen. In conclusion, both the Holocaust and the Rwandan Genocide are two separate historical events, and yet the Rwandan Genocide has not received the credit for its significance in its place in history.
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I think that the 1994 killings in Rwanda should be compared to the Holocaust. These two events have their similarities and differences, but we can learn from studying the past so that in the future we can prevent atrocities like this from happening again. I think the killings in Rwanda have received less press than the Holocaust because it does involve less countries and takes places in an area that is removed from most American's consciousness. American troops were more involved in WW II than in Rwanda.
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