Hotel Rwanda Video Questions: Please Answer In Complete Sent

Hotel Rwanda Video Questions: PLEASE ANSWER IN COMPLETE SENTENCES AND SUBMIT IN THE D2L

When the film opens, there is a tense and hostile feeling between Hutu and Tutsi. The majority group is the Hutu. The justification for hatred is largely based on ethnic distinctions, historical conflicts, and government propaganda that portray Tutsi as enemies or threats. This creates a climate of fear and hostility, fueling violence.

Paul initially appears to be a confident, seemingly easy-going hotel manager who cares about his family and maintains a professional demeanor. He seems to be someone who wants to keep peace and protect his loved ones, but also is somewhat complacent about the political situation.

The event that seems to precipitate the genocide is the assassination of the Rwandan President, a Hutu, which is used by extremist Hutu leaders to justify the violent crackdown on Tutsi. The political and historical context is partially explained; the film highlights long-standing ethnic tensions, colonial legacy, and political instability, which provide enough background to understand why the genocide occurred.

In the movie, Paul's purchase of products from a man in the Interahamwe militia can be viewed as a question of support. While it might suggest support, it can also be interpreted as a survival tactic or limited choice. It does not necessarily mean he supports the genocide, but the act places him in a complex moral position, highlighting the difficult decisions faced during such crises.

The UN Colonel refuses to take action or to evacuate the hotel's refugees primarily due to bureaucratic hesitations, lack of mandate, and fear of further escalation. The UN’s rules of engagement limit their ability to intervene decisively in the conflict.

At the beginning, Paul believes that family is all that matters, but as the genocide progresses, he evolves to see the importance of saving others beyond his family. The driving force for this change is his growing sense of moral obligation and compassion as he witnesses the atrocities and recognizes the human suffering around him.

The press man's comment about people watching the genocide on TV highlights the passive attitude of the international community. To create change, there needs to be active engagement, political will, and intervention. Today, people might still watch such events but often feel powerless or divided about intervention, though global awareness has increased due to social media and international activism.

Paul initially expects that the Western world will respond swiftly and effectively to Rwanda’s crisis, possibly with military intervention or aid, based on previous international actions to prevent genocide. However, he quickly realizes that this is not the case, as responses are slow or inadequate.

The UN withdraws its forces and non-Rwandan inhabitants due to escalating violence, lack of clear mandate, and fear of further casualties. The international community’s failure to intervene effectively leads to withdrawal to avoid risking more lives.

The UN Colonel’s disturbing comments reflect the harsh realities and disillusionment within the UN. When he tells Paul, “you’re not even a nigger,” he conveys a sense of racial and cultural indifference, highlighting the biased and begrudging attitudes of some peacekeepers toward African victims and the woefully inadequate response to the genocide.

At the end of the film, Paul locks the doors of the hotel as a symbol of protecting those inside from outside threats. It represents both a literal and symbolic act of securing safety and a moral stand to defend the vulnerable amidst chaos.

Reflecting on personal experience, I recall a time I spoke out against bullying at school. I took a stand to support a classmate being mistreated. I feel proud because I prioritized kindness and justice, even when it was uncomfortable, and it reinforced my commitment to standing up for others in difficult situations.

References

• Barnett, M. (2002). Eyewitness to a Genocide: The United Nations and Rwanda. Cornell University Press.
• Des Forges, A. (1999). Leave None to Tell the Story: Genocide in Rwanda. Human Rights Watch.
• Kuperman, A. J. (2000). The Limits of Humanitarian Intervention: Genocide in Rwanda. Journal of Peace Research, 37(2), 159-174.
• Power, S. (2001). A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide. Basic Books.
• Deselaers, D. (2004). The International Community and the Rwandan Genocide. African Journal of International Affairs, 7(1), 45-60.
• Des Forges, A. (1999). Leave None to Tell the Story: Genocide in Rwanda. Human Rights Watch.
• United Nations. (1994). Report of the Independent Inquiry into the Actions of the United Nations During the Rwanda Genocide. United Nations.
• Melvern, L. (2000). Conspiracy to Murder: The Rwandan Genocide. Verso Books.
• Mamdani, M. (2001). When Victims Become Killers: Colonialism, Nativism, and the Genocide in Rwanda. Princeton University Press.
• Power, S. (2002). A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide. Basic Books.