Journalist Philip Gourevitch reports an interview with a Rwandan lawyer who said: Conformity is very deep, very developed here. In Rwandan history, everyone obeys authority. People revere power, and there isn't enough education. You take a poor, ignorant population, and give them arms, and say, 'It's yours. Kill.' They'll obey.
Journalist Philip Gourevitch shares insights from a Rwandan lawyer regarding the pervasive conformity in Rwandan society. The lawyer emphasizes that historical tendencies to obey authority figures are deeply ingrained, exacerbated by a lack of education among the population. This situation leads to a dangerous dynamic where, when given weapons and incited to violence, individuals will follow orders without question.
This perspective highlights how ordinary people can be compelled to commit atrocities under certain conditions. Philippe Gourevitch's account in James Waller's book, "Becoming Evil," illustrates the chilling ease with which individuals might turn to violence when influenced by strong authority and a lack of critical education.
