Hotel Rwanda Essay

One Man’s Compassion that Broke through the Hutu and Tutsi Divide Africa is a continent known for its rich natural resources, but it is a continent that is also known for the violence that taints both the past and the present. The continent has a history of being abused by western powers that were after its resources. In the process, these western powers instituted many policies that would have a lasting effect on the nations that they would soon leave at the end of colonization. Even after their independence from colonial powers, many of nations that comprise Africa were hounded by problems that were caused by their colonizers. Such is the case of Rwanda, whose long history under the Belgians would eventually lead up to the genocide that happened in 1994. This was chronicled in the film Hotel Rwanda that was directed by Terry George. The film tells that story of a hotelier named Paul Rusesabagina, who used his position in order to shield may Tutsis from the genocide occurring outside the gates of his hotel (Hotel Rwanda). The film not only speaks of the heroism that the protagonist displayed in real life but also the effects of ethnic conflict and human rights violations that the world seemingly turned a blind eye to. The lead up to the genocide that happened in Rwanda in 1994 has roots deep in the nation’s history. Rwanda is

It speaks of how power can corrupt the minds of people and lead to violence that was uncalled for. It may be simplistic to think that the problem was could have been solved at a snap of a finger because the problem has its roots far back into the history of Rwanda. However, much of the killing that happened could have been mitigated by dialogue and intervention. The bravery and compassion shown by Rusesabagina towards his fellowmen are remarkable but what is remarkable is how one man saw through ethnic lines and put his life and job on the line to make a