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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Rethinking the role of extremist radio (RTLM) in the genocide of Rwanda
Author:Karnell, Aaron P.ISNI
Year:2008
Periodical:Journal of African and international law
Volume:1
Issue:2
Pages:145-157
Language:English
Geographic term:Rwanda
Subjects:broadcasting
genocide
1994
Abstract:Many observers of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda have suggested that there was a direct, causal connection between the broadcasts of Radio Télévision Libre des Milles Collines (RTLM) and mass-scale violence in the country. This article argues, however, that there is little evidence to support this conclusion. Holding RTLM responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands in Rwanda not only exaggerates the capacity of a single media outlet to direct human behaviour, it also ignores the role played by the communication context - in this case, a deeply racist national discourse - and the totalitarian State apparatus in mobilizing ordinary people for violence. The paper argues that theories of RTLM's strong effects are a product of a superficial understanding of the causes of the genocide and of the actual uses made of RTLM's broadcasts by ordinary Hutu listeners. Notes, ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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