The Holocaust: The Eight Stages Of Genocide

The Holocaust is mainly recognized as the genocide that intended to exterminate all Jewish peoples. However, the Roma, as well as the Sinti and Lalleri, were also persecuted. The three distinct groups were classified as “Gypsies,” though formally are all grouped under the term “Roma” or “Romani.” Their oppression began long before Hitler’s rise to power, yet the mass murder of the Roma began under the reign of Nazi Germany. Romani people were faced with forced labour, extermination, and extremely harsh living conditions. Romani persecution and murder is classified as a genocide because it went through the eight stages of a genocide. As a European Nomadic group, Romani have experienced true horror throughout their existence and it is our duty to prevent any repeat occurrences.

First, Romani degradation dates far back to almost ancient times and is continually seen throughout history, mainly in Germany during World War II. However, in Germany under the Weimar Republic Article 109, Romani were protected and guaranteed equal

The eight stages of a genocide include Classification, Symbolization, Dehumanization, Organization, Polarization, Preparation, Extermination, and Denial. Roma, Sinti, and Lalleri were classified as asocial gypsies. They were symbolized by registering with the government and being forced to have a steady job. Next, they were dehumanized with laws discriminating them such as the law for “Prevention of Offspring with Hereditary Defects.” After, in July 1936 the first ‘Gypsy Camp’ was organized, yet roundups didn’t occur until 1938. Following, racist propaganda and slurs were used against the Roma. In preparation, they were sent to ghettos alongside Jews. Afterwards, they were sent to concentration camps and killed or forced to do labour. Then, after the war, Germany denied the killings and claimed it was a necessary precaution until