Summary: Carl Wilkens, the only American known to stay in Rwanda throughout the genocide, discusses his choice in 1994 to remain in Kigali, the challenges Rwandans faced in resisting participation in the massacres, and the role of faith in his decision to take action.
To quote Hamlet - words, words, words. Why should I do that when this is a story about taking action? This is about a genocide and the death of 800,000 people. We're constantly told throughout the interview that Carl remained in Kigali during those deadly weeks and took - action. Well great but let's hear about what that action was. At no stage does that happen. Instead, at least it seems to me, we hear a rather dull account of the reasoning to stay and a pulpit approach to morality. I have interviewed people who were also in Kigila during that time and there are extraordinary stories to be told. I'm sure Carl has similar ones but the questioning was such that there was never an opportunity for them to come out. Disappointing.
Comments for Faith and Trust in Rwanda (Voices on Genocide Prevention)
This piece belongs to the series "Voices on Genocide Prevention"
Produced by United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
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Chris Chambers
Posted on May 26, 2007 at 09:42 AM | Permalink
Review of Faith and Trust in Rwanda (Voices on Genocide Prevention)
To quote Hamlet - words, words, words. Why should I do that when this is a story about taking action? This is about a genocide and the death of 800,000 people. We're constantly told throughout the interview that Carl remained in Kigali during those deadly weeks and took - action. Well great but let's hear about what that action was. At no stage does that happen. Instead, at least it seems to me, we hear a rather dull account of the reasoning to stay and a pulpit approach to morality. I have interviewed people who were also in Kigila during that time and there are extraordinary stories to be told. I'm sure Carl has similar ones but the questioning was such that there was never an opportunity for them to come out. Disappointing.