Get Ready for Tomorrow: A Quick Summary of “We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families”
In the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide, Philip Gourevitch wrote “We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families,” a book that documents the genocide from the perspective of the Tutsi minority. The book is a heart-wrenching account of how neighbors turned against each other, leading to a massacre that claimed the lives of over 800,000 people in just a few weeks.
As we approach the 27th anniversary of this tragic event, it is important to go back to Gourevitch’s book and reflect on the lessons we can learn from it. Here’s a quick summary of the book and why it’s still relevant today.
The Context: The Rwanda Genocide
The Rwanda genocide was the result of years of ethnic tensions between the Tutsi minority and the Hutu majority. In 1993, after years of civil war, a peace agreement was signed, and a transitional government was formed to lead the country to democracy. However, the Hutu extremist faction saw the peace accord as a threat to their power, and they used the assassination of the Hutu president as a pretext to launch a genocide against the Tutsi minority.
The Book: “We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families”
Gourevitch’s book is a detailed account of the genocide, told from the perspective of the Tutsi survivors. The book documents the stories of survivors who lost their families and loved ones, and the heroic actions of those who risked their lives to save others. Through these stories, Gourevitch shows how the genocide was not just a spontaneous event, but a result of years of ethnic tensions that were exploited by a small group of individuals who wanted to maintain their power.
The Lessons
The Rwanda genocide is a stark reminder of the dangers of hate speech and propaganda. The Hutu extremist faction used the media to spread lies and rhetoric that dehumanized the Tutsi minority, making it easier to carry out the genocide. It is a warning that we cannot take the power of words lightly, and we should be vigilant against any form of messages that promote hatred and division.
The book also reminds us of the importance of empathy and humanity. Gourevitch highlights the stories of people who risked their lives to save others, showing that even in the darkest of moments, there is always hope. It is a reminder that we should always strive to be compassionate and understanding towards others, especially those who are different from us.
Conclusion
“We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families” is a powerful book that documents one of the darkest moments in human history. It is a reminder of the dangers of hate speech, the importance of empathy, and the need to always stand up against injustice and atrocities. On the 27th anniversary of the genocide, we should take a moment to remember the victims and vow to create a world where such atrocities never happen again.
