The book "We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families" by Philip Gourevitch explores the deep-rooted history of violence in Rwanda, particularly the massacre of the Tutsi population. Gourevitch highlights how the killing of Tutsis had been historically accepted as a political tool, creating a sense of unity among certain groups within Rwandan society. This tragic element of Rwandan history underscores a cycle of animosity and collectively sanctioned violence that persisted in the postcolonial era.
Through his narrative, Gourevitch illustrates the devastating consequences of this political tradition, as it incited a brutal genocide that claimed countless lives. The book serves as both a historical account and a profound reflection on the human capacity for cruelty and the factors that contribute to systemic violence. Such themes challenge readers to consider the implications of history on societal divisions and the importance of remembrance and reconciliation in the aftermath of such horrors.