The Cambodian Genocide

Watch: Frontline: "Cambodia: Pol Pot's Shadow"

http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/cambodia/

Discussion Questions:

1. Who were the Khmer Rouge?

2. When did the Khmer Rouge take power?

2. What did they believe? What were they trying to achieve?

3. What was the ultimate result of the rule of the Khmer Rouge?

4. What has happened to the Khmer Rouge? (When were they driven from power? Where are they now? Have top officials in the Khmer Rouge been held responsible for the genocide in Cambodia?)

5. Relate this story to other stories of genocide we've discussed in class. In your answer discuss how those in power used propaganda in their attempts to commit genocide. Discuss how those in power attempted to dehumanize targeted groups. Discuss any differences between genocides you've studied in the past (the Holocaust, the Rwandan genocide, the Cambodian genocide).

6. Discuss how the genocide in Rwanda and the genocide in Cambodia affect the life of Rwandans and Cambodians today.

Resources:
Timeline:The History of the Cambodian Genocide
CNN: A Timeline of the Khmer Rouge
39 Years After Rise of Khmer Rouge, Hope for a Trial's End

Final scene from "The Killing Fields"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwgHauFn9Gc