Leila Fielding Boeken

Victimisation of women during war, genocide, or mass slaughter has dominated discussions on gender and conflict, often portraying women solely as victims at the mercy of male aggressors. This focus on brutal sexual crimes against women has led to a reluctance to address female accountability in these contexts. While it is crucial to examine these atrocities for reconciliation, this one-dimensional view neglects the complex roles women have played in genocide. Women have been integral in endorsing and perpetrating genocidal violence throughout history. For instance, during the Rwandan genocide, some women not only supported Hutu men but also actively participated in attacks and incited rape. Understanding the suffering of female victims requires acknowledging the roles of both male and female perpetrators. Exploring female agency does not diminish the significance of women's victimisation; rather, it rebalances gender inequality and empowers women. Women in the Rwandan genocide were both victims and perpetrators, agents and symbols. Gender norms that elevate men above women during and after conflict hinder the reconstruction of gender identities in post-genocide societies.

The focus of this doctoral thesis is the complex roles women play during genocides, particularly in Rwanda, challenging the traditional narrative that positions them solely as victims. It argues that women have historically participated in endorsing and committing acts of violence, thus complicating the understanding of female agency in conflict. By examining both victimization and female perpetration, the work aims to address gender inequality and empower women, highlighting the need for a nuanced perspective on their involvement in atrocities and the implications for post-genocide gender identities.

The essay explores the psychological mechanisms behind acts of oppression, particularly focusing on the slave trade. It argues that dehumanisation plays a crucial role in justifying and perpetuating violence and persecution. John Wade's insights highlight how this psychological state strips individuals of their identity, facilitating atrocities like slavery. The discussion extends to contemporary issues, emphasizing that dehumanisation remains a significant factor in modern conflicts, leading to severe consequences such as genocide and mass murder.

Disability is portrayed as an inherent aspect of human existence, affecting nearly everyone at some point through various life experiences. The essay argues that disabilities are cultural constructs rather than individual traits, highlighting how societal norms dictate perceptions of ability and disability. It emphasizes that disability is often marginalized and distorted in mainstream culture, leading to a rigid adherence to notions of normalcy. Ultimately, the work explores how societal attitudes can enable or disable individuals, shaping their experiences of disability.

The essay explores the misleading myth that a hostile mainstream media swayed American public opinion against the Vietnam War. It highlights two main arguments: that media coverage damaged military efforts and that journalists' opposition fueled anti-war sentiment. However, the author contends that these claims lack substantial evidence. Instead, it suggests that the media reflected existing social and political sentiments rather than shaping them, with negative coverage stemming from government misgivings about the war and public discontent over its prolonged impact.