Reflections on Hotel Rwanda
The ethnic conflict in Rwanda finds it roots in several events caused by developed countries-the same as those of many of other developing countries. The Belgians ruled Rwanda for several decades. During this time they supported the Hutu’s, one of the groups in Rwanda. The other group, the Tutsi’s, were oppressed during this time and a sense of distrust and hatred naturally arose between the two. Upon the decision to grant Rwanda its independence, Belgium supported and helped place in power a Tutsi. This betrayal sparked even more hatred between the two groups. This problem had not been resolved before the time the United Nations peace resolution failed and the genocide began.

The onslaught of the genocide was thrust into the world’s eyes by the media. Though millions of people were watching the suffering of millions on their televisions the world’s greatest powers did not respond to urges to involve themselves in a resolution. The United Nations peacekeeping troops were ordered to not fire their weapons, but rather were forced to watch nearly a million Tutsi’s and Hutu moderates slaughtered. The failure to respond to this genocide was a disgraceful action by the world. Though I certainly understand that they were hesitant to involve their militaries in world affairs, these powers had a responsibility for the welfare of people who could not protect themselves. It would certainly not have been too much for these powers to send troops to end this conflict. In fact, in my opinion, it was essential and it is a shame it did not happen. The leaders of countries like America, France, and England will forever have to know they chose to not cease the murders of hundreds of thousands of innocent people.

I cannot begin to describe my reaction to this film. The suffering of these people makes me ashamed of the many blessings I have in my own life. Hearing of and reading about a genocide cannot compare to seeing a visual recreation of it. The idea that people could be, and were, murdered because of a difference in their skin color and “nose length” is preposterous and hard for people of the Western world to comprehend. This example of genocide should serve to awaken the West to the differences in cultures. The people of Rwanda are not as developed, educated, or prepared for the ideals we hold dear. Rather, ethnic conflict is a result of Western involvement in the parts of the world which they did not understand. It is vital that the West play a role in mending these tears between peoples of different ethnicities. Because we chose not to naturally separate the land based on the territories of these many ethnic groups, we are responsible for the modern conflicts we failed to foresee. The mistakes made in Rwanda must serve as a reminder of the requirements of helping to aid in resolving future conflict and saving the lives of many innocent people.