We in Rwanda are now
approaching the end of the 100 Days of Remembrance, which is
observed each year to (1) honor the 1,000,000 who died so needlessly, (2)
demonstrate compassion for survivors who suffered great loss and deep wounds,
and (3) declare "Never Again!" As we endeavor to
come to grips with the Rwandan Genocide and our own responsibility, spending
5 minutes 21 seconds watching this short video can be a profound experience. Please click here: Massacre at Murambi
I have been to
Murambi twice and have spoken with some of the very few survivors. I have
watched this video several times and am ever moved, forever pierced by it.
I have a very
bright friend who is a great student of words, communication, rhetoric, and
argumentation. Although I have not actually had the conversation with him, I
can quite easily hear his voice: "Tom, this video is a most
extreme form of rhetorical propaganda,... an appeal to the emotions." My
response: "Okay, but you say that as though you have a problem
with it. Yes, it hits hard, but show me where it is wrong. What is
untrue or misleading?"
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