Friday, February 5, 2010
Holocaust Denial
Although the Armenian Genocide is the most famous case of genocide denial, denial of atrocities occurs all the time if it serves the political motives of the denier. I re-visited a news story from early this this year (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8264111.stm) which was about the Iranian denial of the Holocaust, which was a convenient denial for the Iranian President to make, as their government seeks to eliminate the Jewish presence in the Middle East. By denying the Holocaust, the reason they Jews were granted Israel, the worst genocide in history, he debases their claim to Palestine. Even with all the evidence of the struggle, such as the novel we are currently reading, written by a surviver, they still deny the Holocaust's existence. When a cover up of an atrocity is convenient for a government it usually occurs, like Turkey, a nation attempting to enter the first world, In order to seem like a nation of progress they see denial as the only way to deal with the Armenian Genocide. Dwight D. Eisenhower said "Don't join the book burners. Do not think you are going to conceal thoughts by concealing evidence that they ever existed." It is important to remember, for if we forget, history will repeat itself.
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ReplyDeleteThis post relates to an article I read on the issue of Human Rights in China, where the government heavily censors its people, and the citizens of China are not allowed freedom of expression or association, lack independence of the judiciary, and ethnic minorities are not given equal rights. The article talks about the UN's investigation into the violations by China, and the Chinese government's response to these allegations. The article quotes the Chinese government as saying "There is no censorship in the country" and that they would "never allow torture to be allowed on ethnic groups," although numerous instances of these offenses has been documented. As Sam said, this cover up occurs because it is convenient for the Chinese government. Not reporting and openly denying any Human Rights violations prevents the Chinese government from being punished for their actions. It is important for everyone to recognize these government denials as Sam said, for otherwise future governments will continue to follow this example.
ReplyDeleteSource: http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/06/10/china-government-rebuffs-un-human-rights-council