Stanisland Magazine

A troubling social media trend has emerged, with Israelis utilizing platforms to propagate one of the eight stages of genocide.

Israelis have initiated a concerning TikTok trend, in which they deride the physical appearance of Palestinians, draw inappropriate comparisons to animals, and taunt them for their lack of access to basic necessities like water and electricity. This behavior is deeply distressing and reflects a troubling disregard for human dignity and compassion.

The dehumanization of targeted groups is a sinister tactic that has been tragically employed by various regimes throughout history, such as the Nazis prior to the Holocaust, and the Hutus during the Rwandan Genocide.

A precursor to genocide

This process is a pivotal component of the ten stages of genocide as outlined by genocide scholar Gregory H. Stanton. By depicting their victims as subhuman or unworthy of empathy, these perpetrators aimed to strip away the moral barriers that might inhibit their acts of violence.

The Nazis, prior to the Holocaust, systematically dehumanized Jewish people through a calculated campaign of propaganda. They portrayed Jews as parasites, vermin, or other derogatory symbols in Nazi-controlled media, fostering an environment where persecution and mass murder became acceptable in the eyes of many. Similarly, during the Rwandan Genocide, the Hutu extremists employed a dehumanizing propaganda machine, referring to the Tutsi population as “cockroaches” to create a climate of hatred and indifference towards their suffering.

Understanding how dehumanization breaks psychological barriers

Dehumanization, the eighth stage of genocide according to Stanton’s model, serves as a powerful precursor to the actual violence. It psychologically prepares individuals to accept brutal actions against the dehumanized group, making it easier for perpetrators to rationalize their atrocities. Recognizing the signs of dehumanization is crucial in preventing genocide and promoting tolerance and empathy in society.

What makes these developments more disturbing, is the encouragement of the Israeli government through a calculated advert campaign, that seeks to claim anyone who does not stand with Israel, is not human.