Abstract

Many people are not aware of the complexity of the Rwandan genocide and have been mislead by movies such as Hotel Rwanda to believe a narrow-minded view; while the majority of this movie is accurate, it portrays Hutus as aggressors and Tutsis as victims, when in reality this is not the case.  It is easy to simplify the situation and disregard its intricate history.  This paper goes beyond the ‘superficial’ and publicized historical events and examines ways in which colonization pushed the ethnic divide between Tutsi and Hutu perpetuating the hate leading to the 1994 genocide.  In addition, it will also question the reliability of the world’s responsibility when faced with a situation such as this.

There were no conflicts between the two ‘tribes’ before colonization—the names ‘Tutsi’ and ‘Hutu’ were social and based on wealth, just as that of an aristocrat or peasant.  Switching sides whenever most convenient, the colonists and their manipulative strategy reinforces their carelessness in destroying the peaceful Rwandan culture. They decided to desert the mess they created by granting Rwanda their independence.  Having no previous experience governing a country with such hatred and hostility, Rwanda suffered greatly with leaders who highlighted this racial dichotomy.  Anti-Tutsi propaganda and French support heavily aided Hutus to govern Rwanda by numbers and force. Insufficient media coverage during the genocide as well as the passivity of the U.N., makes one question the responsibilities one has in the world as a compassionate human being.

Neither Hutus nor Tutsis are truly at fault, but victims of their circumstance — the manipulative power that colonists had on them took a heavy toll on them.  This less fortunate country will forever struggle to overcome the difficulties put on them and may possibly never fill the cultural rift and recover their original unity.