IndexLiterature ReviewThe Triangular Complex in Genocide ResearchInside the Minds of PerpetratorsInside the Minds of VictimsInside the Minds of BystandersConsequences of GenocideGenocide Prevention TacticsTrauma: What Can You Do? Coping strategiesConclusionThe consequences of genocide and mass violence has over time become a topic of popular interest. Genocide and incidents of mass violence have the capacity to influence relationships between different groups of people and conflicts. Genocide has a strong impact on nations, ethnic groups and families even after the violent incidents occur and in the years that follow. There are three social classifications of people involved in genocides: perpetrators, spectators and victims. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay After a genocide occurs, individuals' mindsets can be negatively altered, which can be crippling. When it comes to moving forward after enduring a genocide or mass atrocity, there are resources available that can assist an individual in their healing process mentally and emotionally. When it comes to genocide, prevention is important. Educating others about genocide prevention is the first step toward early prevention tactics and practices. Literature Review Genocide is a crime that affects the lives of all involved. Not only is a particular group of people traumatized, but everyone who is affected both directly and indirectly. While many lives are affected by the genocide, there are also many consequences that each party faces after the violent event, such as mental, emotional, and physical trauma. All these factors influence the daily life of an individual and create an impact on the lives of those who may arise in future generations. As survivors deal with trauma, there are resources available that can help them process their emotions and help them fully process the events that occurred, as well as coping mechanisms that can be used as a means to reduce the mental and emotional trauma experienced. Triangular Complex in Genocide ResearchWhen studying genocide, most researchers have classified the different roles involved in a genocide. These roles, as mentioned above, are perpetrators, bystanders, and victims. However, an important factor to note when thinking about separating people into categories is that these labels often do not show or provide enough basic information about an individual's behavior and role during a genocide. During the studies, it was shown that people classified as offenders considered themselves victims while real victims simply reacted against them. Bystanders were also often seen as potential victims or even accomplices of the perpetrator, creating a triangular connection between all parties. Individuals can be classified into these three categories; however, it is possible that someone played all three roles. Inside the minds of the perpetrators Research on the psychological consequences of genocides involving groups of perpetrators has in many cases focused on the victims. After a genocide has been committed and time has passed, the mentality of those associated with the perpetrator fluctuates. Some use personal prejudices and try to exonerate their ancestors of their crime by blaming anyone or anything else. When trying to clear the name of someone who is part of a crime group, exoneration strategies are often the first line of defense.Using exoneration strategies is their way of justifying what happened or trying to place blame anywhere but the perpetrators themselves. They manage to convince themselves that acts of genocide are the result of external factors and even go so far as to blame the victims for their own fate. However, not all people associated with perpetrator groups wish to exonerate those involved in genocide. For example, children and even grandchildren of Nazi perpetrators may interact with other relatives who survived genocide, such as those from the Holocaust (Bar-On & Kassem, 2004). Through these interactions you can discuss differences and learn mutual understanding. While it may be difficult for members of a specific party to hear a point of view they may not agree with, the door can be opened for reconciliation across the board by acknowledging the point of view of others. While there may be apologies offered both personally and publicly, not everyone is sincere. Some apologies may be made only for the sake of the group's image or reputation. Perpetrators may believe that their actions were justified given a variety of circumstances, however, violence is never justified nor is it the correct way to handle a personal conflict with a large group of diverse people. In the minds of victims A crucial aspect studied among genocide survivors is the trauma associated with mass violence. For example, a common condition that results from such trauma is post-traumatic stress disorder. Trauma can manifest itself in all forms, such as PTSD, flashbacks, and many other emotionally and mentally charged reactions. Most survivors need assistance after a genocide which can be quite intense, however, this is what is needed to help victims suffering from extreme trauma to take their own lives. backwards. One issue that has raised many questions is whether or not the marks of trauma can be inherited by the next generation's offspring or by family members of genocide victims. Research has found that trauma transfer is supported in first-generation offspring by the survivor, but there is less research to provide clarity on the effect trauma has on second- and third-generation family members beyond accumulated knowledge. However, it has been studied that there is an impact on second generation survivors as well as third. Second-generation survivors may especially struggle with separation anxiety and controlling aggression while third-generation survivors struggle with anxiety, drug use, and depression. Those who are part of the third generation, however, tend to hold on to memories that belong to their ancestors and as a result create false memories for themselves which can contribute to a form of post-traumatic stress disorder. Inside the Minds of BystandersOn the topic of bystanders and their role in the genocide, they can intervene or do as the name suggests: standby. When bystanders do nothing to stop the genocide, they enable the perpetrators to commit these crimes and this can serve as motivation for the perpetrators to continue their horrendous behaviors because they feel they are not in the wrong. It is important to note, however, that bystanders are not only those who are present and spectators during the time of the genocide, but include anyone who allows it to happen (Woolf & Hulsizer, 2005). The spectators themselves, if they testify, are considered just so many participants allowing harm to be done to others. Bystanders may, in the long term, develop feelings of guilt for the actions of their past relatives based on their ability to understand from the perspective ofsomeone else. By taking the time to intervene or see a different perspective from a victim's lens, an overall change can occur in how a bystander reacts during a genocide. Viewers, even if it's just one person, can make a difference and effect change. Consequences of Genocide When acts of genocide and mass atrocities are committed, they are attacks intended to inflict pain and harm on others. The consequences of genocide vary from person to person and from a group as a whole that shares a common perspective of another group of people (Imhoff et al., 2013). The victims of a genocide are affected forever. Not just physically and mentally, but emotionally. These negative consequences for the victim persist and can never be erased. However, as the impact is made on the victims, their pain can in turn begin to impact the perpetrator and make them question their motives and the reason behind their actions. From this, feelings of guilt can creep into the perpetrators and even the viewers which can become disturbing and never-ending. As victims work to heal from the trauma they have experienced, perpetrators are also now being recognized for their harmful and shameful roles. After a genocide, when they try to reintegrate into a society where they have made mistakes, those responsible are not always welcomed back into a community they called home before taking part in the mass atrocities. All three parties, the bystanders, the victims and the perpetrators of the crime experience trauma, whether it is the perpetrator or the bystander who cannot get the image of someone dying out of their head or the victim struggle to move on with their lives after the conflict (Scarlett, 2009). Genocide Prevention Tactics Difficult living conditions, disagreements with others, or hatred towards another group of people pave the way for genocide. The way people perceive others and the way they currently live can bring chaos to an entire society. People blame other groups of people for problems that arise and use violence as a means to be superior and gain control. When talking about genocide prevention, it is important to state that education is key to instilling in people knowledge of violence and the negative marks it will leave on many people. Educating others about tolerance is an important skill to teach at a young age. Parents and educators have a moral and ethical responsibility to teach children how to accept other people regardless of differences in perspective. Teaching adults, not just children or adolescents, these important skills can make the difference between conflict and no conflict in a society where many different groups of people exist. Teaching children and influencing adults that intervening when they witness conflict can pave the way for change is one way that can make a difference and is crucial to their personal understanding of the conflict and its resolution. If they don't do or say something when they are involved, they too are bystanders who allow the negative behavior to continue. Another key factor in preventing genocide is advocacy. It is not enough to wait until there is an active conflict to work towards a solution. Sustaining change is important even when there is no conflict because it promotes early prevention steps that can ultimately reduce the chances of conflict altogether. Education and support are the two most important prevention methods. Both of these methods send the message that violence should not be encouraged and that there are better ways to deal with conflict.