Atrocities Against Native American Genocide By Elie Wiesel

744 Words3 Pages

Although most people think of the Holocaust when it comes to genocides, there are many other acts of genocide that have not been as recognized. Genocide is killing people based on their race. It is important to be aware of genocide so it can be stopped and prevented. Elie Wiesel is a Holocaust survivor, who wrote stories based on his experiences and received a Nobel Peace prize. Elie Wiesel stated in his speech that when it comes to injustice, indifference is the greatest danger of all. As is evident in the Native American genocide, indifference is the failure to take action, which then allows racial superiority and brutal acts to take place. The American settlers were the reason as to why the genocide began. According to “Atrocities Against Native Americans”, this genocide began because,” European expansion into North …show more content…

An example of action being done to stop this genocide is, “But it wasn’t until 1968, when the Indian Civil Rights Act was passed, that Natives gained the right to free speech, the right to a jury and protection from unreasonable search and seizure” (“Atrocities Against Native Americans”). This was a step in the right direction, although it took many years before this was passed. It wasn't until the 1900’s that the Natives were given basic rights and citizenship. Another quote that stated what had been done after is, “During his first stateside visit, the pope canonized Junipero Serra, the 18th century Franciscan missionary from Spain responsible for the first nine of California’s famous catholic missions, of which 21 still stand” (Nazaryan 3). The person who started the brutal killings was declared a saint. Instead of punishing those responsible, they are getting praised. Steps have been taken to try to stop this genocide, but it won’t end until Natives are treated equally and the ones behind this tragedy aren’t given forgiveness or

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